We all like to bring up the Short Sale Process. We all like to tout what we know about Short Sales, and how we are the specialist or the expert, but the truth is no one knows much about Short Sales.
The reason why none of us know about Short Sales is because the bank changes their guidelines everyday. I almost think that the executives in the banks sit around laughing at us realtors and clients as they change another guideline to make it more difficult and to make it longer than what it used to be.
The average short sale for us has been taking about 58 days. It would be less days if it were not for Countrywide which is 162 days.
We have found a refreshing trend out there that I wanted to share with everyone. A couple banks have been changing their guidelines for the better. Wachovia in some cases will call the listing agent and or the seller and offer $2000 and an extra 1% to the listing agent if they close by a specific time. One of my agents had 1 where they received an offer and were able to get an approval in 2 days and close prior to the specified time. Kudos to Wachovia as they are one of the only banks trying to shorten the process and being proactive about it. This program is not for all loans, but for some it really gives the seller an true incentive to move quickly as well as the agent.
I also saw where FHA backed loans are giving struggling homeowners $2500 in a program called "Cash for Keys". They are giving a homeowner who looks as though they will be facing foreclosure $2500 in order to move out quickly. They will essentially be doing a deed in lieu of foreclosure signing over the property to the bank. There are a couple stipulations:
The above are just some examples of why no one is an expert in a short sale. Many may know a little more than most, but like the old adage "He who speaks the loudest, knows very little"
It is a little funny in that Short Sales have become such a sensitive topic with most. We all become so defensive when a buyer's agent calls up and asks about multiple offers or how we process a short sale. The listing agent all of a sudden becomes that annoying kid in elementary class. You know the one. The kid who raises his or her hand and spouts off they know the answer to everything and goes on and on not just answering the question, but showing that they know everything about everything.
My advice to everyone who processes short sales is be knowledgeable, but be open minded. Maybe you do not know all the answers.
I saw this article and thought it would be of interest to some of my colleagues:
NAR: Agents and brokers can get SBA help
WASHINGTON - Oct. 1, 2009 - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SNA) has clarified its rules, saying that individual real estate practitioners and brokers are eligible for the agency's loans, which many could find helpful during tough economic times.
According to analysts with the National Association of Realtors, brokers may apply for America's Recovery Capital (ARC) loans, Section 7(a) loans, and Section 504 small business loans.
An initiative of the Obama administration's economic stimulus package, the ARC program offers no-interest, no-fee, deferred-payment short-term loans up to $35,000 that can be used to make payments on or replace existing business debt.
Under the 7(a) Guaranty Loan Program, individual practitioners can use money from participating lenders for working capital or debt replacement. Intended for long-term needs, the maximum loan amount is $2 million.
The 504 Loan Program, facilitated through community agencies, is ideal for individual practitioners expanding their business and in need of money to pay for fixed assets.
For more information, visit the Small Business Administration website.
Source: Realtor (10/09) Vol. 42, No. 9, P. 10; Freedman, Robert
© Copyright 2009 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688
I am currently with RMLS, and over the last couple years have been frustrated with the level of service they are giving their members. I and a few brokers represent about 1000 agents, and are seriously considering leaving to go to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Board of Realtors. So I decided to have a tele-conference call with the Board of Realtors and RMLS to express my concerns and give them the opportunity to make myself and the agents we represent feel good about possibly some changes and upgrades in their customer service.
The call was supposed to be a very cordial professional call to explain our concerns. Instead it turned into what it always seems to be with the RMLS and that is:
This was the president of the board of directors that is supposed to be helpful and serve its members impartially that really was so out of line I was absolutely appalled. The problem with the RMLS is that they will never get it. They have this entitlement and power attitude that they do not need to serve its members as we will never leave them. Well, although we were considering leaving the RMLS prior to this phone call we already have meetings lined up with the other boards and have one foot out the door.
It is this attitude that continues to me prevalent throughout the staff of RMLS. Customer Service is so imperative in this day and age. Customers demand it. I thought we were the customers, but are not treated as such. We would rather be at a MLS that appreciates us than one that could care less.
This is in know way a reflection on the realtors association of the palm beaches (RAPB) as I believe they have been very helpful. The reason why we are leaving is because of the attitudes of the RMLS. Who has time to fight with their board these days. Especially one that fails to appreciate its members.
Isn't that an oxymoron. Here is a local newspaper that has been in all the luxury hotels for almost 60 years, and a fixture in the Boca community for that same time. We have relied on our news for so long, and it is such ashame that the downward trend of the economy has forced the Boca News to go digital at www.BocaNews.com. They call it the interactive newspaper, but I still like to read my newspaper. I still like to feel the paper rather than look online and read. It is much nicer to drink a cup of coffee while reading the Sunday paper then going online to look at a computer screen. I want my Boca News back.
So many of us continue to look as Short Sales as a negative. So I have prepared a list of what and why it takes so long, and what is short about Short Sales.
First the:
Short of it
The Long of it
I believe that Short Sales listings are very important. Besides being lucrative, it fufills our original objective and that is to help people make a tough situation better. I got in the business t help people now my motto is "I got into business to help those Long Sales become Short"
Good luck to all and may everyone educate themselves before taking these short sale listings.
If looking for an agent to help you sell your Short Sale in Palm Beach County please make sure you use a Certified Distressed Property Expert.
David Serle, CDPE, EPRO
RE/MAX Services
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I Specialize in helping families find homes in Boca Raton & Highland Beach. I have helped over 200 families purchase and sell their homes in Boca Raton.We also provide Short Sale Services at no cost
My name is David Serle , and I am a Licensed Real Estate Broker Associate E-Pro, and CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert). I got into this business to help people. I study the Highland Beach Condo, Palm Beach Homes & Boca Raton Real Estate Market daily and know it through and through. I am extremely patient with people and believe that the most inherent problem in real estate is following up. I assure you that I follow up with every consumer. I offer an extensive marketing plan to sell your home that encompasses both online marketing with traditional direct marketing.
I currently reside in Boca Raton and prior to selling South Florida and Boca Raton Real Estate, I was a closing agent for a title company for 5 years. I was born into the Real Estate business as both of my parents are in Real Estate. The knowledge I have learned over the years from my parents and from being a closing agent I pass on to you, the consumer. I ensure smooth closings and make sure that no nonsense fees are charged as I know what to look for. I pride myself in helping you either find your dream home or sell your home for the highest price in the shortest amount of time.
Please call me if you have any questions about how I can help you or if you just have questions about real estate in general I would be happy to talk to you. Please either call me, David Serle at 561-756-3104 or you may navigate through my website http://www.SearchPalmBeachHomes.com/ to learn about me and what I do for my clients and you can search the most current listings and Palm Beach Homes For Sale on the market.
City of Boca Raton Area Profile
Boca Raton Map - Demographics - Strategic Plan - Future of Boca
The meaning of the name Boca Raton has always aroused curiosity. Many people wrongly assume the name is simply Rat's Mouth. The Spanish word boca (or mouth) often described an inlet, while raton (literally mouse) was used as a term for a cowardly thief. But the "Thieves Inlet," Boca Ratones, appeared on eighteenth century maps associated with an inlet in the Biscayne Bay area of Miami. By the beginning of the nineteenth century, the term was mistakenly applied to Lake Boca Raton, whose inlet was closed at the time. The "s" and later the "e" were dropped from this title by the 1920s, yet the correct pronunciation remains Rah-tone.
The earliest known inhabitants of the Boca Raton area were the Tequesta Indians, who lived in communities near the ocean as long ago as one thousand years until the eighteenth century. The construction of the Florida East Coast Canal (today's Intracoastal) and the Florida East Coast 
Railway in the 1890s made the region accessible to a group of resourceful pioneers. By the early 1900s Boca Raton was a tiny agricultural community, many of the farmers specializing in pineapple cultivation. Amongst these were a group of Japanese immigrants under the leadership of Joseph Sakai, who formed a community along today's Yamato Road in 1904.
In May of 1925, the Town of Boca Raton was incorporated at the height of the Florida land boom. The town council commissioned noted society architect Addison Mizner to plan a world-class resort community. His exclusive hotel, known as the Cloister Inn, was completed in 1926 and continues its reign as a city landmark as the Boca Raton Resort and Club. Although many of Mizner's plans for the young community were squelched by the demise of the land boom in 1926, a few survive today-and his architectural style continues to influence the city.
One of Mizner's projects was a design for a city hall for Boca Raton. Completed by Delray architect William Alsmeyer in 1927, Old Town Hall at 71 North Federal Highway still bears the original footprint of the Mizner design, and was constructed using ironwork, tile, and woodwork supplied by Mizner Industries. Today the restored Town Hall is the home of the Boca Raton Historical Society.
In the 1930s and 40s, Boca was known for its winter vegetable crop, particularly the green beans which commanded a premium in northern markets. In 1942, the Army Air Corps established its only war-time radar training school at the site of what is today F.A.U. and the Boca Raton Airport. The facility brought over 30,000 servicemen as well as families and civilian employees to the tiny community of Boca Raton, with a population of 723 in 1940.
In the 1950s, the still small town played host to a safari park called Africa USA which opened where the Camino Gardens development stands now. E. G. Barnhill offered an attraction called Ancient America on the site of prehistoric burial mounds on U.S. One in the area of today's Sanctuary neighborhood. And the Winter Bible Conference Grounds-Bibletown-was established in buildings of the former Air Field.
In the 1960s, South Florida experienced another great land boom, with developments pushing the Everglades and former farmlands increasingly westward. The population grew to almost 30,000 residents by 1970, continuing to increase well outside city limits to this day. In 1962, Boca Raton attracted the newest state university, Florida Atlantic, to the site of the old army airbase. IBM moved one of its computer facilities to Boca Raton in 1967, and in 1981, it was there the first IBM PC, or personal computer, was developed.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the city focused much of its attention on downtown redevelopment, and a number of important historical properties, such as Boca Raton's original Town Hall and F.E.C. Railway Station were restored and opened to the public. Many fine cultural facilities, such as the Boca Raton Museum of Art, have grown up to meet the needs of the growing population.
I am the Vice President and Managing Broker for RE/MAX Services.
I specialize in Short Sales, Highland Beach Condos, and Single Family Homes in the Boca Raton and Palm Beach County area. I currently live in a community called New Floresta and I do sell quite a bit in that community and the surrounding areas. I try and differentiate myself from my competition by being genuine and truthful. I take care of each client on an individual basis and treat them like family. I use modern technology in my daily activities, and continue to find and develop new technolgies for my business plan. I do have several websites including www.SearchPalmBeachHomes.com, www.SunnyBocaRatonHomes.com, www.BocaRatonFLRelocation.com, www.EZBocaRatonRealEstate.com, and www.HighlandBeachViews.com.
Search by building in Highland Beach.
I love what I do and am here to create relationships for life.
I offer a specialized and customized marketing plan to sell each and every one of my clients. Please contact me if you are looking to sell, buy or relocate to Boca Raton or surrounding areas.
Just as it is there never has been a better time to Buy!! There has Never Been a Better Time to be a Realtor!! So many options are open to Realtors. RE/MAX Services has long been the fixture of Boca Raton. If you are looking to take your career to the next level you definitely would want to Contact Us. There are programs now that are offered to agents to join RE/MAX Services that were never offered before. Up to 90% splits with No Desk Fees for those that qualify. Take a look at the list below of our services that agents are already taking advantage of.
RE/MAX Services is Now Hiring Experienced Real Estate Agents!!
If you are interested in a confidential interview with RE/MAX Services please contact me. Here are some of the great benefits of being a RE/MAX Service's agent.
If you are looking to make a move or just talk about a possible move give us a call at 561-756-3104 or contact us at info@REMAXServicesBocaRaton.com
Please contact me at info@remaxservicesbocaraton.com
Thank you for visiting my profile. Lets have a great Year!!!
Jose Ramos, Delray Beach, FL
Thank you so much David for helping me through the short sale process. You and your attorneys really helped myself in a very trying time. ALthough it was a lengthy process you did a wonderful job.
Chris Impelitier, Lake Worth, FL
I never knew what a short sale was until I met you, and explained it may be a better option instead of facing foreclosure. You said the process would take around 60-90 days, and we were closed in under 2 months. Thank you so much. Your attorneys were great that helped us. Thanks again.
Paul Rand, Boca Raton, FL
"David Serle is not just one of the best real estate agents I have met, but he is one of the best people I have met. I have bought and sold 5 Boca Raton properties from him, and he has me as a client for life."
Samantha Kaplan, Wellington, FL
"I am on the internet constantly, and I came across David Serle through his personal website. Normally, I do not warm up to people let alone use someone who I do not know or reffered to, but he was very professional, and represented me and my families best interest in purchasing a Boca Raton Home . I have since referred him many clients and they all would recommend David for all their real estate needs and services"
"David was very professional and took the time to show us all the places in our price range. He did not push us to a higher price, and allowed us the buyers to make our own decision. We would and have recommended him to others."
Bari Smizik, Boca Raton, FL
"David has beeen a good friend and confidant for years. He has the knowledge to lead us to a good decision. We have bought several properties from him, and will continue to do so. If you are looking for a superb individual who has the knowledge and cares about your best interest then definitely interview him as you will not find a better individual. Thanks Dave for all your help"
Chad Brofermaker, Boca Raton, FL
There are a lot of real estate agents to choose from, but I chose David Serle because of his professionalism and presence on the internet. You never know when you meet someone whether or not they have your best interest at heart, but from the very get go David definitely did. We bought a great home in Boca Raton and David showed us all the homes that fit our criteria. He gave us all the information including title costs, closing costs, survey, easements, encroachments, mortgage information, payment, and more, and then let us make the decision ourselves.
Anonomyous, Boca Raton, FL
Congratulations to David Serle who is now the Vice President and Managing Broker of RE/MAX Services. He is well on his way to improving the level of service and support for its agents through recruiting, and technology. Congrats David.
Joseph Brighton, Boca Raton, FL
I want to thank David Serle for helping us sell our home. We tried 2 other real estate agents, and had it on the market for over a year before contacting David. The minute he listed the home we knew we had a better chance of selling our home in this market. He was professional, efficient, and sold our home in less than 60 days. Thank you, and I would highly recommend David!!
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