We need to look at short sales as a positive transaction instead of a negative one. There are so many Arizona short sales, foreclosures, REO’s and bank-owned properties on the market today. Short sales are by far leading the pack. We can no longer ignore these homes as it drastically limits our buyer’s choices.
There are ways to help ease the pain and frustration for your buyers when a short sale is involved. Before writing an offer on a short sale home, it is critical for the Buyer’s agent to ask the listing agent direct and specific questions. These questions will save the agent and buyer a tremendous amount of time and disappointment as well as keeping the buyer, YOUR BUYER.
Our clients rely on our expertise, knowledge and experience. The process of purchasing a short sale is much more involved than a normal transaction. It is imperative that we educate our buyers as to this process and have the knowledge to make this a smooth transaction.
Below are 5 simple but powerful questions for the Buyer’s agent to ask the listing agent prior to writing an offer: These questions will save everyone time and energy.
How many mortgage liens are on the property? If you are dealing with more than one lender, such as a 1st Mortgage and a 2nd Home Equity, the short sale may never work. On a short sale, ALL lenders have to be in agreement and approve the short sale.
Is there more than one lien holder? If two or more lien holders are involved approval of the short sale may never come to fruition. All lien holders have to approve the short sale.
Have you received any other offers? The MLS Rules and Regulations have set rules to follow that address multiple offers. Be sure you and the listing agent are well versed with the rules.
Is the short sale documentation complete? This should be done by the seller with assistance from the listing agent before the home is placed on the market. Offers have no substance and will not be entertained until this short sale package is complete and approved by the lender. A response from the lender on your offer will be a mute point if this paperwork has not been completed.
How familiar are you with the bank’s process? This will give you an idea if the listing agent has done any short sale transactions in the past. This process is essential to all parties. Short sales will be around for at a few more years. Asking these questions will better position you and your buyer to a smoother transaction and close of escrow. This time line will ease some of your buyer’s concerns and frustrations.
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