Jo Shaner's Discussions

I am reading your question a couple of different ways - 1.  you ask about teams, which are really the new wave.  Most Real Estate companies do not embrace them, but it is a great way service clients.  Cuts profit to the offices.2.  less agents are coming into the business and more are exiting.  This is the same market I started out in 13 years ago in my area.  It was hard and I had to work smarter, longer and better than my competition to succeed.  I had to learn the basics and execute them properly.3.  the seasoned agent are going back to basics, getting the listings (they have seen this market before and are prepared).  They know when it turns around and it always does....they will be in the driver's seat.4.  like in any other profession - it's the 80/20 rule - 80% of the business is being done by we the 20%.  It's not luck, it's hard work!

As a representive of several large banks, the process for short-sales and REO properties are quite different than "normal sales".  We deal more with committees when the offers come in.  It is not a emotional deal at all - try not to be too logical either. A good Realtor (even if they are a facilitator) should show you the comps.  Our banks tell us the range what is acceptable, allow us to tell unaccepted offers - even though sometimes they list it at a higher price. This listing agent may have "insider knowledge" that might help you more than parachuting in with another agent.  You still have a procuring cause aspect, which might leave you paying your new agent's commission. There is a difference of a short sale and that of a foreclosure.  If there are 2 mortgages involved.....hang on to your seat....it's going to be a bumpy ride.Short sales can be mean also - you have someone accepting a price that really doesn't have title to it.  Then,  they agree on the price and terms and at any time they change the rules - especially with the agent's commission.  Still, there are great deals to be made and usually the awesome deals takes some finese.  Best of luck to you, Jo Shaner