Every once in a while, I run into a client I have to reject. You'd think that as a successful Sacramento short sale agent I would want to work with everybody in Sacramento, but I don't. I don't respect people who would lie, cheat and steal. Sorry -- I'm not an asshole politician and I don't have to put up with that crap.
It's not a judgment call thing, if that's what you are thinking. Because people who would lie, cheat and steal expect others they hire to lie, cheat and steal right alongside with them. I don't live my life that way. No amount of money would convince me to start, either.
Besides, I enjoy an excellent reputation. I've worked hard to earn it. When a buyer's agent advises her client to enter into a contract with my client, I expect cooperation and consideration. I give the same in return.
So, if you are looking to game the system, don't call me. I don't want to work with sellers who strip homes in foreclosure. Nor do I want to associate with sellers who have no intention of doing a short sale but simply want to avoid having to move. Some of these people hear that a short sale can take 6 months to 2 years to close, so they latch on to a Sacramento short sale agent, hoping they won't have to make a payment for 2 years and can stay put. They don't really intend to sell.
That's dishonest.
If you want to sell your home in Sacramento as a short sale in the shortest time period possible and with the least amount of hassle, I'm your real estate agent. If you don't, go make somebody else's life miserable.
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Certified HAFA Specialist
My Sacramento Real Estate Listings
Elizabeth Weintraub is an author, home buying columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown and East Sacramento. Weintraub is also a Sacramento Short Sale agent who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout the four-county Sacramento area. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you. Broker-Associate at Lyon Real Estate. DRE License # 00697006.
The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, available at Amazon.com.
Lyon Real Estate is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.
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The views expressed herein are Weintraub's personal views and do not reflect the views of Lyon Real Estate.
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You are absolutely right. Must screen the client on Short Sales, to be sure you have a chance of selling.
Hi Ed and Celia: I will help a client target and orchestrate a certain move-out date, but I won't help them to pull off a scam. It's very dishonest to the other people in the transaction who count on me to perform and, in retrospect, it's probably against the Code of Ethics.
That sound you hear is me applauding you, Elizabeth ... congrats on having a personal Code of Ethics that you live by. So many don't, these days ...
Gene
Same goes here! I will not work with someone who wants to cheat the system. I don't need to party to that. Like you, worked hard to build up a solid reputation. I'm not risking my business for anyone.
Elizabeth - I'm the same way and the same holds true for buyers. The ones who want to submit 5 offers on 5 short sales, but only plan on purchasing one, no thank you.
I'm happy to see that I am not the only grumpy person. Sometimes, other people try to push me too far. I'm a good foot stomper, you know, enough is enough.