Hi folks. Do You Want To Close More Short Sales? Of course you do. Here are some tips that may help.

• Educate the Sellers at time of listing. Make sure they fully understand the process and what is expected of them. Be sure they understand cash contributions, promissory notes, tax ramifications and what happens to the deficiency.

• Price the property at market value or more. Negotiate the cleanest contract you can get with a price that you can defend to the lender.

• Know the type of short sale i.e. FHA, VA, HAFA Non GSE, HAFA Fannie, HAFA Freddie, USDA..... and why this is important.

• Be sure any major repair issues are addressed at time of listing. These could put limitations on the type of Buyer you are looking for. For example: If it needs a new HVAC system a Buyer will not be able to use FHA financing.

• Be in complete charge of the transaction. Know what you can and can’t do then make sure the lender understands that you know.

• Make sure the BPO agent has the information you need them to have PRIOR to them doing the BPO. And know what that information is.

• Make sure you are aware of ALL liens on the property prior to taking the listing.

• Understand that the Seller is not always the Borrower. That works both ways. Example: Child owns the property but the borrowers are the parents. Or...the Seller assumed a mortgage when they purchased the property but the loan is still in the original borrower’s name.

• Stay focused on the transaction. Don’t let “drama” cloud your vision.

• And most importantly, understand that “Short Sale Denied” means....this time. Find a new buyer and try again. And keep trying until you get the job done.

This is in no way a comprehensive list but it will give you some things to think about. Any questions?

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