KB Collins

As I drove to an appointment today, my photographer snapped a picture of the New York City Building scene. I was amazed by how much construction is still going on even during these hard times. I would imagine most of the funding has already been earmarked or granted, however as we all know a City like New York always finds a way to build up, up and up no matter the economic times.

As I have stated before, the deals are out there, the building are being built, now lets get out there and sell them.

Good luck on your Resales and Rentals.

As a practicing Real Estate Attorney and an Associate Broker I have been privy to both sides of the table. I have had many Realtors sit across the table from me where I questioned who they were. As an attorney for a buyer or a seller I know that many things can ruin a deal. One such thing is lack of communication between parties. I have had many closings where the first and only time I have spoken to the Realtor, on the deal, was at the closing table. There were even times after placing calls to buyer and seller's Realtors would not get items or documents which would facilitate a closing.

Also as a Realtor, I understand many attorneys think that dealing with a Realtor is time consuming and just a waste of time, since they can usually get what they need from the buyer or sellers attorney or the clients themselves. I believe that if a Realtor is more involved in the transaction, that transaction does go smoother.

The times a Realtor or broker was truly involved, in many of the closings I conducted, they were indispensable and actually were the catalyst in making the transaction close.

Just as a sidebar, Realtors do not be afraid to call the attorney! Most attorney's are overworked and cal always use help in getting deals done. Attorneys, be open to Realtors and brokers assisting and facilitating a real estate deal. Most Realtorsare professionals just like us and should be utilized and be in attendanceat the closing table to collect a check that may or may not be cut.

As we know the crises that faces many of us in the US and locally is something that is unprecedented. Foreclosures, Downturns, Agents leaving the business, people loosing their jobs. It has come and we are at a place where none of us would like to be. The reason I write this is because everyday for the past month I have received some sort of email on mortgage modifications, either to solicit or become an associate.

As a realtor and an attorney in New York State I know how difficult it is to know what is really going on. I see some companies out there charging thousands and we as realtors are faced with either throwing are hands up in the air or passing clients who are in trouble to questionable companies who for the most part are over night creations.

If you have a client, friend or family and need a mortgage modification, Short Sale or other negotiated instrument which is mortgage related, contact me. Not only will you know who you are dealing with, I will be and can be held accountable. Do not trust the largest investment you have made to be handled by just anyone.

There are companies out there which are not law firms, which in my experience are great companies. If you want more information on them I can also put you in contact with them, but the reason for this blog is to find out what do you think about the Mortgage Modification boom and how it's at the forefront of our email boxes everyday.