I just closed a short sale listing a couple weeks ago that went so smoothly - I'd almost want to do this again!!
Another agent in my office referred this client to me because he had never done a short sale before and wanted to make sure it was handled correctly. I have taken the short sale course from the Harris Real Estate University, which really helped prepare us for what was to come. Plus a few agents in our office were able to provide support and answer questions - very helpful!
The gentleman had been in a terrible accident and was no longer able to work, so he was losing his home that he had just bought about 10 months ago. It was a nice place, and he had taken great care of it. We got it priced right and got an offer within the first week or so - now it was time to deal with the bank.
I had my assistant call the bank every week, same day, same time. I asked her to get a status update on where the file was, and to ALWAYS ask to talk to a supervisor. Surprisingly, she managed to talk to the same supervisor several weeks in a row - to the point where he answered "Hey Susan I thought it was about time to talk to you again!". She bonded with them, and was very courteous and pleasant - that seemed to go a long way. The supervisors would push things through for us and answer questions willingly. Updates were sent to the buyer's agent after she talked to them each week too - that helped this LONG process seem to go more smoothly with them as well.
We got a price negotiated with the bank and then the buyers and closed ON TIME and before the home went up for auction. The seller was THRILLED and told us we are now on his Christmas card list! It took about 2 1/2 months, but it's done and everyone is happy.
Sure, there were some moments of frustration, but overall, it went very well. I'll definitely do it again.
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