I am new to this forum and new to Short Sales.  I've taken a couple of classes but don't have any hands on experience...so I'm jumping in, cautiously. 
Someone very dear to me wants and needs to sell their home. Mr. Seller has been unemployed and under-employed for the last four years resulting in stress related illnesses. 
Mrs Seller was "downsized" when her employer was bought by another company three years ago. They have exhausted their savings and retirement and are in their early 40's.
They have 3 growing young boys under the age of 7. 
I've had the house listed for 3 months this year and 6 months last year.  They are underwater and were going to need to bring money to the table to close. All that money is gone now and the comps in the area are 
decreasing the value almost monthly as more foreclosures are in the mix. 
  I'm thinking it would be the wisest move to enlist a third party negotiator to make sure they're taken care of properly. Do the negotiators handle EVERYTHING..will I be able to learn 
along the way, or do they want me to step aside?  The owners want me to be active with it because they said they  only trust me and they've heard "horror stories". 
Any guidance and step-by-step input is welcome and appreciated. . Thanks in advance. 

Well Bryan, I am moving in 2 weeks and I now will be missing payments, as my pristine credit and lack of missed payments resulted in the BOA denying my short sale, even though I had a cash buyer who offered exactly what the house is worth.    There goes my credit, but my mother will have me near her to help!

In regards to Suntrust, how long does it typically take once the investor gets the package, to get an approval? Thanks!

Brian,

Have ever heard of, or worked with a company called IMPAC? I represent the Buyer and the Sellers lender is with BofA. It seems like the loan has been sold? or assigned to IMPAC and IMPAC seems to be playing Asset Manager/Investor/Loan Modification Company and charging these outrageous fees for their services to the Bank, Realtor and trying to force my Buyer into originating a new loan with them. Can you shed some light on this company?

Bryant, Thanks for starting such a wonderful group that delivers great synergy and knowledge. When I think of the fun in short sales and the cohesion that others can bring I know my head source. Say hello to that charming and beautiful wife of yours from me and Lars.

Great Job revamping the site and adding a Fan for Short Sale Superstars on Facebook - you guys rock!

Hi Bryant,

I think it would be useful to include a text of the message in the notification emails that we receive when we subscribe to a thread - Just a thought... Great forum otherwise :-)

I just purchased earlier today and have not received shortsale training and shortsale questions with negotiator. Just wondering why?

Thanks, Bryant. I'm sure we can al help each other.