Post Article" Coming up Short, more and more"

11 Jul 2009 at 12:00

Chuck

Today I read an article written by Post Staff writer Renae Merle. Although, overall better then most of nonsense they put out about Real Estate they did fall into that same old lazy journalism trap. Rather then seeking out Realtors or customers who have completed Short Sales they instead reached out to the same old tied Rolodex. Crazy stuff but nothing new for the post?? If you can work your way past the editorials and options without facts there are some decent points. Reading this article is kind of like eating a fruit cake, you have to eat around the bad stuff to get to the good stuff( what little good stuff there is??). Here is my comment to Renae this morning. I doubt she'll read it but what the hell?

" Hi Renae, Successfully completing a Short Sale is much better on not only your credit but also your life as a whole. Think about it, how many times have you seen employment and lending application ask” Have you ever had a Foreclosures in the past X years? Now, try getting a security clearance? So, yes your credit will take a hit when completing a Short Sale(especially if you are not making your mortgage payments..ie 30 days late – 60 days late etc..) however, there is no way that it is nearly as bad as a foreclosure. So, you see it is not a myth {( btw.. this is the second article in the post that I've read this!)} that Short Sales are better overall then Foreclosures. Secondly, did it ever dawn on you to possibly speak to someone who teaches Short Sales? Like say Alex Charfin who teaches this stuff around the country. If you Google Short Sale Realtors (then our area) I’m sure you’ll get hundreds of hits of Realtors who can point you to a customer who’s successfully completed a Short Sale in our area. If you Google CDPE you’ll find Realtors who have actually taken extra classes just to be able to successfully close Short Sales."

I really should stop reading the Real Estate section of the Post just like everyone else in the business.

Take care,
Chuck

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3 Comments

by Doug Hall

11 Jul 2009 at 14:38

Well put Chuck. These short sales are very difficult to complete but in the hands of an experienced agent,,they go through. I have done several in the past few years (dont get me wrong, I hate them with a passion) but they are not a waste of time,,,they just take “more” time than a typical transaction. If all parties have their expections in the right place the transaction will close.

by Tony

10 Aug 2009 at 23:42

Chuck, As one of the agents quoted in the article you mentioned, I must take offense at your post. I have sold houses short. I have taught classes on short sales. I have spoken in length with Lem Marshall about short sales over the past 2 years. You are implying that I have not.
Therefore I am kindly asking you to either remove the post or make a correction to it immediately. I have forwarded a link to your post to my broker and to the Dulles Area Association of REALTORS and the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS.

by Chuck Rifae

11 Aug 2009 at 10:07

Hi Tony, Thank you for your comment. I am not going to change my post however, I will keep your comment active since I believe everyone has a right to there own opinions.
Take care!
Chuck