St. Johns County Short Sale Specialist

ST. JOHNS COUNTY SHORT SALE SPECIALIST

(904) 733-4911

At a time when most agents in St. Johns County are running from the term "short sale," we choose to take a different approach. It is true that short sales require more work than a traditional sale, but this is the last solution to many homeowners facing foreclosure. If it wasn't for the agents who are determined enough to successfully complete short sale transactions, foreclosure would be the only option. Fortunately, this is not the case! Our agents fully understand the short sale process and know what it requires before getting into it, unlike many other agents.

The most important aspect of the short sale process is choosing the appropriate Realtor. If not, the process could end up to be a waste of time and money, delaying the inevitable. Contrary to popular belief, short sales are not part of the Realtor basic training. It takes experience and knowledge on the subject to understand exactly how they work and most importantly how to get them approved and closed in a timely manor. Our experienced agents will work with your lender to negotiate a lower payoff amount, allowing us to list your house for a lower price below the competition, resulting in a quick sale!

You may be wondering, what are some indicators that a short sale may be for me? Are you:

• Behind on mortgage payments?
• Paying off a loan that is more than your home's value?
• In any type of financial hardship?
• On the verge of foreclosure?
• Stuck in a position where you MUST sell your home?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, we may have the solution for you!

What are the advantages of a short sale over foreclosure?

• A short sale will cost you absolutely nothing! Your lender is charged all traditional sellers' closing costs as well as brokerage fees.
• Our agents will work hard with your lender to get you a full release from the debt secured at closing. This means the lender will waive their right to pursue a deficiency judgment. Foreclosures on the other hand, give the lender the right to pursue a judgment on the borrower.
• While foreclosure are permanent public information, short sales are very private.
• A short sale will show up on your credit as "settled in full" or "paid as negotiated" whereas a foreclosure shows up as a foreclosure.
  
• After the successful completion of a short sale, you are eligible to qualify for a Fannie Mae loan in as little as two years. Foreclosures require that you wait five years.

What are the qualifications for a short sale?

Owing more on your home than it is work is typically the main qualifier. However there are also other hardships that can qualify you as well.

-Loss of income -Relocation

-Loss of job -Major repairs needed with no resources

-Death in the family -Illness

-Job transfer -Divorce

HAFA - Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives

HAFA is a new program that went into effect on April 5, 2010. Through HAFA, homeowners can receive up to $1,500 back to go towards relocation costs after the completion of a short sale. Servicers and investors can also be given incentives which encourages short sale completion. The program requires that the lender forfeit any rights to pursue a deficiency judgment from the homeowner. To learn more about this program and if you qualify CLICK HERE.

Call our team of Short Sale Specialist Realtors for free advice on St. Johns County Florida Short Sales.

Mike Linkenauger

(904) 733-4911

First Coast Realty Associates

Attention all home buyers! Are you thinking about purchasing a home? Now is the time! Because of the high vollume of short sale listings, the market needs short sale buyers! The rates are low and financing is readily available. We have a very large inventory of St. Johns County Florida Home and Condos available for purchase at extremely low prices! Visit our website at www.firstcoastre.com to view our current inventory, or call (904)733-4911 and tell us what you're looking for! We can find you the perfect home, before anyone else even knows it is available!

I have closed over 200 Northeast Florida Short Sales and can offer you the help you need. Contact me if you need a St. Augustine and St. Johns County FL Short Sale Specialist Realtor.