Please don't call me an expert, just call me when you want it done and hopefully sooner rather than later.

With the slew of certifications and designations flying around out there I think the word "expert" or "specialist" has started to develop a negative connotation with me.

That's not to say they aren't worth obtaining, but it's hard for a consumer to know which is valid.  Sure, their website says they're the Number 1 expert but how is the consumer to differentiate which requires some legitimate training/production and which you can pick up for $59.95 per month?

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure if you read far enough back in my blog posts or combed through my marketing materials the term "expert" or "specialist" would probably surface.  With the onset of the foreclosure and short sale markets, those are two terms that now raise a red flag with me.

So what would I tell a consumer seeking the truth?

I've resorted to telling clients that I don't consider myself either of those.  I'm good at what I do, and I have the experience to back it up.  I've taken the classes and continue to do so.  This is an industry in which you should be a life time student.  I even have some designations you've probably never heard of.

Do they count for anything? 

Yes, in that I tend to be certified or carry designations in areas that I truly have experience working in.  My production validates my claims.

No, in that our industry doesn't require us to disclose any more than I'm an "expert" or a "specialist" because I've taken a class that says so, despite the fact that the "expert" or "specialist" production may tell a different story.

The fact is we're in a market that changes so rapidly it takes a daily effort to keep up.  To me being an "expert" or "specialist" means you know everything there is to know about something.  In regards to short sales and foreclosures, you'd be hard pressed to find an agent willing to claim they do, and I'd be suspect of anyone who did.

Boise State Broncos deliver a victory over the Spartans!

It's Sunday and time for me to give it up to the Boise State Broncos for another convincing win.

Yes, they still fumbled a snap but only one this time. Actually I would like to congratulate any of the teams outside the BCS who are in the top ten. If the trend continues I don't see how they can keep denying all the schools a fair shake.

Greenbriar Commons home for sale in Boise, Idaho

- 10391 W Kingsbriar Drive, Boise, ID 83709
MLS #98418327

Great home now available in Greenbriar Commons! Three roomy bedrooms upstairs separate from the large and open main-level great room/kitchen layout. Kitchen has an island/breakfast bar combo, lots of cabinets and granite counter space, and an adjacent dining area. Great room has an elegant fireplace. Nice tile counters in the bathrooms. Upstairs bonus room, too! Fully fenced and low maintenance back yard.

This is a short sale and final approval from the lender is required.

Congrats to Boise State Broncos for a convincing win over Hawaii!

In case you've missed it, I like to congratulate the Boise State Broncos every Sunday. They put up another big "W" up Saturday.

Despite TCU getting by them in the rankings, I still have faith they will make it again this year.

Usually I have nothing but good things to say about them but if I were to mention one thing they could improve on, get rid of the terrible announcers that handle the local broadcast. It's really takes away from the game.

And if channel 7 wanted to get some decent HD cameras that wouldn't be so bad either.

Idaho homeowners behind on the mortgage should exercise caution when reviewing offers to help.  Knowing which offers of help are legitimate and which are designed to take your money, could save you thousands of dollars, and your home. 

When faced with prospect of foreclosure in Idaho a loan modification may be an option.  Chances are your bank is not going to offer this willingly.  I encourage homeowners to contact their lenders directly.  In fact paying someone to do a loan modification in Idaho won't give you any more chance of success.

Loan modification letters that various companies are sending Idaho homeowners in default look very convincing.  Some even appear as if they were sent on behalf of the bank. 

You have to be careful and make sure to read the fine print.  As with most things, if it looks to good to be true, it probably is.

Here's a prime example of such a letter some of my Idaho clients received in the mail:

If you read the wording at the bottom, you see the disclosure stating that this company is not affiliated with the bank.  They are also claiming that your loan can be restructured under the "Economic Stimulus Act." 

What they won't tell you is you can figure all this out on your own with a quick visit to www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov.  You can also get free couceling by calling the number listed on their website. 

While a loan modification is a valid option for Idaho homeowners facing foreclosure, I don't recommend paying someone to do it for you.  Chances are you'll find yourself out of money and worse off than they found you. 

For more information on foreclsoure, short sales, and loan modification in Idaho, visit www.HopeForIdaho.com.