On Friday, March 8th, I placed the first call to the lender on my short sale listing, with listing agreement, offer, hardship letter and authorization in hand (along with all other required paperwork). Tuesday, March 12th I had the first call from my point of contact. Friday, March 14th I had an approval letter in my email inbox!!! And all of this happened with politeness and efficiency, contrary to all of the groans of misery and frustration I hear around my real estate community. Now I wait for response on the four offers I have out there on other short sale opportunities. Back to the real world. But hey, there's hope! Maybe lenders are starting to realize that if they drag their feet too long, the buyer will be long gone.