Rachael Hite-Twigg

In today's economy it is easier than ever to fall behind on your mortgage. If your income has been reduced, and you have a minor emergency . . plumbing issues, flat tires, medical bills, sick dog that needs extensive vet care . . . the mortgage money goes for the emergency not the mortgage. Trying to catch up can be tricky, and when you sit down to crunch the numbers if there is more going out than coming in you may have a serious problem. Many of our Short Sales are homeowners who are trying to do the right thing. They understand that they cannot afford their home anymore and are trying to work with the bank to find solutions to show their cooperation. Often our clients do not want to give up their homes, but if they are seriously underwater with no change in your income in site a Short Sale could be the first step to trying to help rebuilding credit. Remember that Short Sales are for individuals who are in financial distress, not individuals who are just trying to get out of unfair mortgage payments. Extensive financial paperwork will be required to prove that a Short Sale can happen. Take some time to prepare the following documents in advance to prepare for a consultation.

1.) 2 months of the most current bank statements

2.) Any statements of assets ( 401K etc.)

3.) Recent paystubs ( Last two)

4.) A letter explaining hardship

5.) Documentation of layoffs or unemployment collection

6.) Letter of Hardship explaining what has happened to your income and why you cannot make your payments any more.

Gather these documents together and give Equity Negotiations a call. Our consultations are FREE of charge ( We only take on clients we think we can help) and a short sale does not cost YOU anything, as our commissions are paid by the banks not by homeowners. Visit www.equitynegotiations.com for more information on getting started with your Short Sale and your options.

Many of us will be streaming from our desks today watching the memorial service for Michael Jackson and thus becoming part of what most are saying will be the largest event to take place on the Internet. To join in here is a link posted by a local radio station http://www.wusq.com/cc-common/news/sections/special/michaeljackson/ For many of us Michael Jackson represents many different things. One common theme that I can think of? Cutting edge!! Michael Jackson was always had the freshest sounding music, and it was usually something that most everyone could agree that it was worth listening too!

Our industry is moving in the same direction. Our potential clients are more savvy that ever, and they are finding homes and community information on their own without our help! We need to keep coming up with ways to be fresh and cutting edge. We have to make sure we have the tools that our clients need to help narrow down their choices, and we want them to know that we provided it. www.equitynegotiations.com was created in mind with this idea. I want to keep things fresh, current and actually useful to my current and potential clients! After you take time to pay your respect to the king of pop, make sure that you also take time to make sure that your business plan is modern and flexible. We are in a fast changing world and we need to make sure that we are not stagnant!!!

This post is for consumers, REALTORS and appraisers alike! We need to get this petition signed an underway. If you have not signed it PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE sign it and forward it to every REALTOR you know. This is critical and it affects the way we are conducting business. In this tight market we cannot afford to keep ordering second and third appraisals to determine "value", at the expense of our clients!!! Watch the video, talk about it with co-workers, lets get the word out. EVERYONE should take a moment and blog about this so that we can reach out and touch our networks!

http://www.hvccpetition.com

Together we can make a difference! I'm #42452 What's your #????

I have to ask this question because of a trend in our area of some title companies taking over Short Sale transactions for an up front fee from REALTORS and their clients. Is this something that other agents have found success with? When your client is under financial distress, and you are not sure if the deal is going to close, is this a good return on your investment? I'm all for competitive options, BUT can the title company do anything that you cannot do yourself?

If you let a title company "negotiate" for you couldn't you loose a certain element of quality control? What are the benefits?

The bottom line on my Short Sale deals . . I do not get paid unless I complete the transaction AND I make sure that the LENDER pays the commissions and closing costs for the involved parties. If the deal does not close, the seller has a foreclosure, you are out a commission, but the title company has still been compensated.

Thoughts and comments would be appreciated!

OK so its not my most original post, but I wanted to give a shout out to our crew's favorite places for lunch in the Frederick County Virginia area.

My Pick- Napoli's Italian Sub Shop- Yum don't bother if you are a vegetarian! I love the variety of meats and the great breads they use to construct their authentic Italian subs. Its lunch at its best, simple, fast and tasty! 540-535-0019

Wendy's Pick- Pickle's Deli at 201 E. Boscawen Street . . . right across from the court house. Their soups and sandwiches are fresh and I LOVE the homemade desserts. Let me just say right now that their coconut cake is to die for! Call for a pick up order at 540-722-0091 or fax your lunch bunch request to 540-722-0089.

Doug's Pick- Old Towne Cafe: If you want some thing tasty and are throwing your diet out the window for the afternoon, I suggest their cream of tomato soup and a grilled sandwich. They also have hot dogs and other 50's style lunch fair. 540-665-1805. They are down on the Old Town Mall by the Daily Grind.

Scott's Pick- Union Jack's. "Let your guard down!" Scott says the fish and chips are the best! Euro and American style fair with a fun pub atmosphere. You guessed it . . Down on the Old Towne Mall. www.theunionjackpub.com 540-722-2055.

Shawn's Pick- Tropical Smoothie Cafe': He had to buy the cup so he could get discounts on the smoothies he likes. They have healthy wraps and sandwiches. PLUS the smoothies can be a meal themselves with extra additives to keep you lean and mean! This franchised chain just opened up at Rutherford Crossing by the new Target and Lowes. Exit 317 off 81. www.tropicalsmoothie.com 540-667-0002.

BATTLE OF THE THAI!

April's Pick- Winchester Thai: Also down on the Old Towne Mall, If you like spicy tai food this is the place! Excellent Service and large portions make this a good value for your lunch dollar! www.thaiwinchester.com (540-678-6055)

VS.

Natalie's Pick- Sucilee's House of Thai- More proclaimed for their susi rolls, Nat prefers this this Thai stop when she is craving some spice. They are located also down town at 21 East Boscawen Street. 540-545-8424.

I hope you are hungry!! As always if you are looking for more information to chew on . . vist my site www.equitynegotiations.com for all of your real estate needs.