SHORT SALE SOLUTIONS... Helping property owners avoid foreclosure and move on with their lives
Step 1: Provide introduction to seller/client
Cordial introduction is essential
Keep conversation general – say you work with a professional negotiating team that specializes help people solve foreclosure issues
Suggest they meet with the local representative, Tori Anderson to discuss the process & see if it is a good fit for their needs.
Answer the questions you feel comfortable with, but remember, keep it simple.
Emphasize that you are the real estate marketing expert, and we are the Short Sale experts.... all their questions will be answered. With government policies changing, the process is continually evolving... it's best to defer on technical questions.
Initial contact normally is by telephone
If client wants to know more at that point, an in-person meeting is arranged
Step 2: Discuss process with seller and gather of all paperwork
I'll go over as much detail of the process as the client wishes - including diagrams.
Give them a list of the required documents
Get a more thorough understanding of their hardship situation
Help them compose their own hardship letter - structured in the way lenders need to see it
Verify that all questions and concerns have been addressed - bringing our Head Negotiator, Kristi Duvall into the conversation if needed for the client's comfort
It is key that the seller be cooperative - we ensure this by making sure the process is thoroughly understood
Recommend that their own attorney and/or CPA should be consulted before signing any documents. Stressing that we are not qualified to give expert advice on these subjects.
Inform client that there will be ongoing updated documentation needed, making sure they will be cooperative.
Step 3: We build the strongest case possible for negotiation with the Lender(s); We are very specific as each case is unique.
Work with the realtor to prepare a CMA
Included in the CMA and our BPO is a list of the negative factors affecting the property (physical damage or wear; sexual predators in area; damaging news articles; days on market; crime; public projects; waste water; etc.)
We prepare our own BPO as well
These two documents allow the RIGHT PRICE - one the market will support AND one the bank will accept. If the price is unbalanced either way, the deal cannot be successful.
Estimated cost of repairs is prepared for the Lender's information
Seller’s hardship – we humanize the house – turn it to a home occupied by real people who are seeing their dream of home ownership die.
Step 4: We submit an offer to the Lender(s). Though the first offer may not be accepted, we work back and forth with all lenders and lien holders with multiple offers and counter-offers.
We immediately start the negotiation process with the lender; The Realtor(R) can’t do it without a buyer in hand.
A delay in presenting the offer can kill the deal... The homeowner may back out due to frustration and stress... OR ... A home can go to foreclosure while waiting for a bonafide offer to come.
We present offer immediately to the lender to STOP foreclosure and START the time-consuming negotiation process.
How do we know what offer to present? We consider two sources... (1) The Realtor(R) suggests a "30-60 day Sale Price" and (2) experience in knowing how much leeway the lenders have... that’s our base number
Offer incorporates repair estimate and other issues
Step 5: We manage the Lender's Brokers Price Opinion – make sure they do proper job
If not managed rightly, no matter if every other aspect is done right, this is a deal-killer
We make sure ALL the information is taken into account when the Price is rendered.
Step 6: We manage the complex process of negotiating with multiple Lenders & Lienholders
Mortgages, HELOCs, HOA, IRS, Contractor
We Request full satisfaction of liens - we cannot guarantee results, but in the great majority of cases, we are able to achieve this
We provide the right wording for the MLS, protecting you and your client
Once an Approval has been given by all lenders, we monitor the expiration date closely, aligning it with the number of offers received, making sure nothing falls through the cracks
Careful planning on closing is critical... months of work can blow up without the right circumstances
We have local attorneys well-versed in our system, assuring smooth and easy closings
Step 7: You continue marketing the property to secure a buyer while we continue negotiations. You keep your listing
Listing stays with original Realtor(R)
Listing price reflects the BPO – when it goes active in the MLS, we base it on what we know lenders will accept.
We market to our investors as well – we have a number interested in the right property
We require Proof of Funds; the Buyer must be prepared to close upon Short Sale approval
We fully disclose the Short Sale to all buyers, making sure they know the process can take some months to complete; there is no guarantee the Lender will accept the offer; approvals often expire within 30 days
Step 8: We pay off the Lender(s) and close with buyer
Careful planning for the Closing is CRITICAL... months of work can blow up in a moment without the right circumstances
We work with experienced attorneys, well-versed in our system, assuring smooth and easy closings.
We pay for the seller's Credit Repair when the deal is closed.
Step 9: Closing Attorney sends you your FULL commission
Wonderful! You've marketed the property, while avoiding the hassle associated with the Short Sale
You receive your full agreed-upon commission
Your client is relieved
We pay for the Seller's Credit Repair when the deal is closed, allowing them to move on to their next phase of life in a better position for having worked with you!