Please tell the truth......

I've mentioned before that we are able to assist people who are facing foreclosure by initiating a "Short Sale" - meaning we ask the bank to accept an offer for less than what is owed on the mortgage. I also mentioned that these sellers, whether they choose us to work with them or another brokerage, should be as honest as possible about their financial situations. As the agent is working closely with the lender in these transactions, it is important the agent have all of the necessary information to effect the deal properly.

Recently, I have been unable to reach one of my Short Sale sellers. I knew they were moving, but I needed to get a key from them in order to show the house. Days went by with no contact. I left voice mails, emails, sent letters. Nothing. These sellers told me the bank had not started foreclosure proceedings yet, but they could no longer afford the mortgage and wanted to avoid the foreclosure.

In checking and updating the files of all my listings, I regularly check the tax record to ensure nothing has changed. This particular property now showed foreclosure proceedings and an auction date set - meaning the bank was going to sell the property at auction because the sellers had stopped paying mortgage payments.

I again attempted to contact the sellers with no response. I withdrew the property from the MLS and our listings. When I went to pick up my "For Sale" sign yesterday, the sellers had written in magic marker their OWN phone number right across my sign - destroying the sign.

The house was empty. They had taken off. They had tried to pull one over on the lender by saying the property was listed. They had no intention of working with me in an honest and ethical nature.

Lesson learned.

So I urge all of you considering contacting an agent to help with a Short Sale to be honest, work with your agent and be in contact. It only serves you.