One of the toughest things about working short sales is knowing you are helping a family who is in trouble. For some reason, they can't afford to live there anymore. Many times it's because of life changing situations such as divorce, job loss, death, or many other reasons. But, now they have to sell their home and don't have the equity to pay us or what is owed to the bank.
The loss in value in the last two years has made it impossible to sell a house for the same price they bought it for plus 6%-8% to cover our commission and closing costs. Now, every one of these families I've met has never had a desire to move. They would prefer to live in their home they bought and continue to live the American dream, to raise their kids in one school district and never have to move again.
The stress that this situation puts on a family, including the kids, is tremendous, but I truly believe what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. These families are some of the strongest and proudest families I have ever met and having to admit they can't make it and to make that first call is the hardest thing they have to do.
I believe that if you treat these families with respect and tell them the whole truth up front, then you are doing everyone a great service. I love it when I tell my clients to talk to their CPA and lawyer prior to making any decisions or signing anything. EVERY time they come back to me and say, "Everything you told us that the lawyer and the CPA were going to say is exactly what they said and thank you for being completely upfront with us."
I've had many of people cry when telling them the facts about what is going to happen with the banks, but I feel I would rather have them know up front than be surprised later. If you are a person facing a foreclosure, you need to know that the bank doesn't have it in for you despite the way they sound on the phone. They just are reading a script. You just need someone in your corner that understands the process and who doesn't want to make you feel that you are unimportant, because you're not. You are very important and deserve respect because whatever your situation, it is only temporary.
If you want to be treated like a human and be treated like you deserve to be treated during this tough time, give me a call. I would love to sit down with you and discuss your situation. I may be even able to help negotiate a loan modification if the situation truly is very short term.
Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
photo courtesy of spekulator
Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.
What if there was a way you could search the MLS for FREE just like Realtors
Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you'll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You'll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that's listed in the MLS!
Click here to start your FREE home search now
Hi Todd... EXCELLENT POST! You have hit the nail squarely on the heaed with this one, I feel exactly the same way. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with care and compassion. And that we should always treat our clients the way that we would hope to be treated under the same cicumstances. Thanks for sharing this post!
My heart breaks when I show a home that is still occupied by people who are loosing it. One had the children sitting in the living room floor with thier toys...all furniture was gone. I cried as I left the house with my clients but I had my sunglasses on.
Wow Todd - I love your way with people........respect, honesty and information are the best things we can provide them with......
Great post. I have had sellers cry out of relief when I asked if they were having difficulty paying their mortgage payments and showed them compassion. I think they often try to do the best they can and don't have anyone with whom they can freely discuss their situation.
Todd
Great post. Seeing and hearing how hard it is from such families puts why we are people persons really into perspective.
It is very sad to see.
Sincerely
Tom Braatz
Todd - Thank you for showing such compassion for these families. There is enough guilt and hard feelings being passed around in this market and these families need people like you to help them in a most difficult time.
Great post...this is a lot like the depression. We need soft hearts for those going through difficult times.
Todd- Shoot....it's all about the golden rule and ethics. Besides.... I could very well be the short sale victim in a few more months!
Steve - I just think that too many agents treat it like a numbers game, when it should be treated like a family business. We are supposed to be in the business of putting families in homes, not putting them out on the street.
Jane - I don't blame you, I think I would have been close to tear myself as I have kids and I can't imagine how your buyers felt.