Short Sale Denied - Despite Cancer Diagnosis

I am writing about a very disturbing short sale situation.  The property is a lot in Windswept Estates, a golf course community in Freeport, Florida.  The mortgage is held by Peoples First, "Florida's Community Bank".  After several months of price reductions on my seller's lot,  we finally got a short sale offer of $29,900- fair market value. The mortgage balance is $183,000. 

My seller's husband has just been diagnosed with kidney cancer, age 36.  She herself has lost about half of her income in the past year, as assistant to a financial advisor and another part time job.  Her charge card balance is around $60,000 - she used credit to keep making mortgage payments. She has struggled to make the interest-only payments on the lot - around $800 a month- as her partner, a real estate agent, has little income to contribute. 

When my seller found out about her husband's kidney cancer about a month ago, she stopped payment on the check she had sent to the bank. Peoples First called her when they received notice and left a voicemail message that the manager would be "furious" and would start foreclosing. 

Today, Peoples First just told me they will NOT do a short sale, period.  When I talked to them I mentioned the diagnosis of kidney cancer, wondering how this woman could keep up with her payments.  I also  asked, "Why would your company not consider a short sale in this economy?"  I was told they had "not given any subprime loans, they were well-capitalized, and when they lent money, they expected to get it paid back".  I said, "So you'd rather foreclose?"  They said "Yes". 

I then got a call from another party at the bank, who reiterated they don't do short sales.   I mentioned I would write about the situation in my national blog.  I was told "I caution you not to do that."

Well, guess what?  I am writing about it. 

It's Wendy!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR     Rulnick Realty, Inc.

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Wendy Rulnick specializes in real estate sales, short sales, traditional sales on Emerald Coast of Florida: Destin Florida real estate, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Dune Allen, Blue Mountain Beach, Freeport, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field.   Wendy Rulnick, Broker and Realtor, has been selling real estate for almost 20 years.  She has won numerous awards, including the coveted ADDY for advertising design. An expert marketer of real estate listings, she also negotiates successfully to her buyers' and sellers' advantage. She is supported by a team of top buyer specialists. Wendy lists and sells homes, condos and townhomes.

All Rights Reserved. *Short Sale Denied - Despite Cancer Diagnosis* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Destin Florida real estate and vicinity. Copyright © 2008 by Wendy Rulnick.This site, Wendy Rulnick or Rulnick Realty, Inc. is not providing legal or tax advice.  The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only.  It is recommended that sellers considering a short sale should consult an independent legal and tax advisor for more information.

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