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Inspirational Stories~Short Sale Sellers Seem Out of Touch? They are Just Everyday People

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Services for Real Estate Pros with Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision

Short Sale Sellers Seem Out of Touch? They are Just Everyday People

As a former short sale seller reading the increasing articles on short sales and blog posts about the process I just have to scratch my head.  The increase of "creative financing", the seemingly endless lines of credit available, and a little thing called human nature is now swirling into a little thing my grandparents would have called repercussion.

Some call short sale homeowners greedy and unrealistic.  Maybe a little out of touch...but do you remember?

Do you remember the first thing you ever crushed on and lost? Maybe it was your first dog that because of age passed away or maybe it was your first love that started strong and fizzled out.  To get this right, it has be something/someone that you didn't think you could get on without....then remember how you felt when it was gone....how it absolutely tugged on your heart and you couldn't fathom when that feeling would end.  Now think about a short sale seller and

THE DREAM.  The dream that is dying around a short sale seller.  Usually there is so much more:  a divorce, an illness, a death in the family, a job loss....so usually a short sale seller is going through more than one heartbreak at the same time- can you imagine that.

AND THEN.  The short sale seller is expected to be impartial, patient, organized, realistic, accepting....really?  REALLY?  I don't know about you, but the last time I had a heartbreaking loss I can't recall any of those emotions surfacing and reigning supreme control.

SO....if you work with short sale sellers or are thinking about it....please heed my words.  It will take not only YOUR expertise, YOUR guiding hand, but YOUR patience,  YOUR organization, YOUR realism, and YOUR acceptance.  YOU need to take control and remain the impartial party, don't count on your short sale seller to take on that role. 

That doesn't make ANY sense 'cause while short sale sellers might seem out of touch, the numbers are rising and it IS an emotional process for them 'cause after all....

THEY are just Everyday people.

** And as I put up this video it strikes me as damn near amazing why it seems we have to keep backtracking to simple things, like a decent embrace and acceptance of our fellow neighbors in need, to move forward.  Is this evolution at it's finest?**

***UPDATE- I just read Broker Bryant's post on his series of short sale webinars.  BB turned around his business model to learn and accomodate short sale sellers and truly has his feet in the street.  This webinar is definitely worth a look.***


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Jon Budish
Resident Realty - Fort Collins, CO

I think as a realtor dealing with a short sale, it is a stressful process. Imagine how stressful it is for the homeowner for whom there really is no upside.

Jun 08, 2009 04:19 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

There is no question you need to have compassion as most of these people are losing their largest asset!

Jun 08, 2009 09:04 AM
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

Rebecca, I have helped two of my previous clients through the short sale process.  Like you it was years ago before they were so popular.  Both clients left their homes in nice condition, not immaculate but nice.

I guess what I don't understand now are the short sell seller's who are leaving their house in the condition of a foreclosure.  I have been amazed at the condition of some of the short sells I have shown buyers lately.

Jun 08, 2009 12:59 PM
Jennifer Fivelsdal
JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY
Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Rebecca - This requires lots of empathy but at the same time being able to project manage the process.  Yes for various reason many have found themselves in this position and in most cases it had nothing to do with living above ones means.

Jun 08, 2009 02:32 PM
Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing and Online Advertising Consultant
Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision - Lake Geneva, WI

Jon- Just the upside of moving forward.

Bill- Absolutely, and their home.  The home part is the sometimes more emotional really than the asset, but both are important.

Marchel- I know what you mean.  I think in some cases it is like a depression that sets in.  When people are depressed it's hard for them to function on even the smallest of tasks.

Jennifer- Absolutely right on.

Jun 11, 2009 04:37 AM
Bryant Tutas
Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL
Selling Florida one home at a time

Rebecca, In the last few months I have had sellers have heart attacks, get divorce, be arrested for domestic violence and even had to call intervention on one who was threatening to commit suicide while I had them on the phone!!! Short Sales are a HUGE drain on people's emotional resources.

GREAT video!! You know I saw Sly on a music show this year and he could hardly walk or talk. Just stumbled out and did a few lines of this song and went off the stage. I guess he had a little too much fun in his younger years.

I appreciate the link love!!

Jun 16, 2009 11:50 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

That really puts it in perspective - it's always an emotional time when selling a home, and especially so for those who are backed up against the wall.  We professionals need to act right and not let our emotions enter the equation.  good post.

Aug 21, 2009 12:22 PM