NJ Short Sales: Should I Be Embarrassed by Doing a Short Sale

Short Sales are a situation that can often cause emotional turmoil as well as financial. It’s amazing how quick people are to judge others but times may be changing when it comes to today’s financial situations. We’re all feeling tough times. We all have seen local businesses close, people we know losing jobs they’ve had for years, and seen how the cost of living increases while the income we’re making doesn’t seem to be keeping the same pace.

Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure.

Most of us don’t speak “legal-eze” and personally I’m thankful that most of us also don’t operate like some lenders. It’s hard to understand why a lender will jump at doing a Short Sale on a home as opposed to working with someone who’s done everything in their power to make right the situation they’ve ended up in, being overdue with the lender.

Many lenders somehow find it more logical to do a Short Sale than to work with the original owner and re-finance or negotiate terms that make it more reasonable for the owner to make regular payments again. Placing the overdue amounts at the end of your loan and putting you back on track seems more logical to you and I than taking a Short Sale. But then again, when does our logic seem to match the logic of most lenders?

What we have noticed though is that while we are all together in this financial mess of our economy we also seem to be more sympathetic and understanding about the situations of others. Friends and neighbors aren’t so quick to judge those who suddenly have a “Foreclosure” or “Short Sale” sign on their front lawn. People have become more sympathetic to those in their community who have been hit hard by hard times. There is no longer a scarlet letter worn by those who have hit hard times and find themselves having to give up their home via a Short Sale.

There is no shame in Short Sales. In most cases the home owners have approached their lender in every possible way, using every possible means to keep their home. Most lenders turn down every option other than literally snapping your fingers and coming up with all of the money owed instantly, no matter what the situation may be. These lenders should bear all of the shame for creating situations that don’t allow for a good, honest homeowner to maintain their dream.

A Short Sale is an option that is taken to help keep your dignity, sell your home, and have a fresh start. Many take this choice hoping to do less harm to their credit rating. Many times friends and neighbors will not only understand your situation but will respect that you’ve remained dignified through a terrible crisis in your life. Each of us understands that we are almost all only a paycheck away from being on the streets in today’s economy.

As we work together to make things better, one of the things we notice is that there truly is a lot less judging and finger pointing going on in life and a whole lot more understanding and help. The fingers are pointing to the lenders now instead.

We are here to help you understand and get through making the choices you need to make regarding a Short Sale of your home. We have the knowledge and training behind us to make your transition as smooth as possible. Most of all we will treat you with respect and help you not only make the experience understandable, but bearable. We can give you information that will give you hope and show you that the future may have a better picture ahead and even another home some day with our help. There is no shame in taking the option of a Short Sale and we are here to show you.

Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and get back on your feet. Send me an e-mail at lsarlo@comcast.net. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 609-868-1171

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Sicklerville loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this, Larry Sarlo.

Larry is a Real Estate Agent at RE/MAX Preferred. Sicklerville Short Sales Realtor:

Phone: 609-868-1171. lsarlo@comcast.net.

Know Your Options, I Can Help!

Search foreclosures and short sale here: New Jersey SHORT SALE DEALS

Search the MLS on your phone by Text: In the subject line on your mobile phone- LSAR1 -to number 87778 ... hit send... A GPS feature for listings at your finger tips

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Larry Sarlo specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Sicklerville New Jersey. Sicklerville Loan Modification Help, Sicklerville Short Sales. Sicklerville NJ Short Sales. Sicklerville Realtor.


Important Notice

Larry Sarlo, RE/MAX Preferred, are not affiliated in any way, shape, or form with the government. Our services have not been reviewed or endorse by the government or your lender. Most lenders willingly work with agents on short sales. Why?

Because most short sales are beneficial to a lender. If you accept our offer to help you on a short sale, your lender may not agree to a short sale or to modify your loan. We do offer a loan modification kit.

However, the likelihood of negotiating a modification is like everything else in life. It takes work and persistence to convince your lender to modify your loan. No matter what you or we do, your lender may not approve a loan modification.

We do not recommend that you stop paying your mortgage, because this will cause damage to your credit and could cause you to lose your home. Because we know avoiding foreclosure is so important to any homeowner, we recommend that you speak with the appropriate legal or tax advisor before making any decision.

This is not intended as legal, technical, or tax advice. Please speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of the date of writing.

You have the option to reject a short sale or loan modification from your lender if it does not meet your approval. If you decide not to go thru with the short sale, then you do not have to pay us our fee. We normally make a real estate sales commission for helping you on a short sale.

The views expressed here are Larry's personal views and do not reflect the views of RE/MAX Preferred.

This information on NJ Short Sales: Should I Be Embarrassed by Doing a Short Sale is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions.

Turnersville Short Sales: The Most Effective Way To Stop Debt Collector Harassment

Turnersville NJ – Debt collectors are infamous for multiple phone calls at all hours of the day. One person told the Stop Foreclosure Institute that he would receive several phone calls the first thing Sunday Morning.

Discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale to avoid foreclosure by clicking here.

"They would call my home phone at 8:15AM on Sunday. This was the only day that I had to sleep in and they woke me up. I had 2 other people call me before noon", he told us.

This is the biggest complaint the Stop Foreclosure Institute has heard about debt collectors. People have told us, "No matter how many times I tell them to stop calling, they still call me."

Let me give you the inside story. The reason this happens is because most people don't do anything about it. They just learn to live with the harassing calls and go on with their lives.

Here is what the debt collectors don't want you to know. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a creditor or collection agency that calls you after you request them to stop may be liable for statutory damages up to $1,000 plus any actual damages suffered, plus attorney fees.

So when someone sticks up for themselves, it costs the debt collectors money. In fact, they are so scared of being sued that they all work together to track the people that have sued to collect the $1,000.

Here is the best technique that I have heard of to stop the calls. According to one guy it works great. When a debt collector calls you stop and ask for the person's name and the company name. Then, say the following.

"Bob, I have documented that you have called me today. I also have documented your company name and the phone number you have called from. Now, let me tell you this.

Under my right in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I am requesting that you stop any and all calls to me. If I get another call from this phone number, then I will be contacting my attorney to help me get the statutory damages laid out in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

In addition, I will call your manager and let them know that you could have saved the company $1,000, but chose not to. I will make sure that they understood who cost the company $1,000. So, don't call me again."

The reason this works so well is because you are holding that employee accountable. If they do call you again and have to pay you $1,000 as a result, then that manager will be angry. And it will hurt even more when you tell them that Bob could have saved them from paying it, but was incompetent.

Please try the script and let us know how it works out for you.

If you want a list of 12 common violations and instructions on how to stop the calls, then click here and scroll down to the Right. Click on How To Stop Harassing Debt Collector Calls. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and never pay the bank another penny. Send me an e-mail at lsarlo@comcast.net. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 609-868-1171

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Sicklerville loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this, Larry Sarlo.

Larry is a Real Estate Lawrence Sarlo at Remax Preferred. Sicklerville Short Sales Realtor:

Phone: 609-868-1171. lsarlo@comcast.net.

When You want it Sold Fast

View  homes for sale at Search NJ Short Sales and Foreclosures CLICK HERE.

Larry Sarlo specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Sicklerville New Jersey. Sicklerville Loan Modification Help, Sicklerville Short Sales. Sicklerville NJ Short Sales. Sicklerville Realtor.





Important Notice

Larry Sarlo, Remax Preferred, and the Stop Foreclosure Institute are not associated or affiliated in any way, shape, or form with the government. Our services have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by the government or your lender. Most lenders willingly work with agents on short sales. Why?

Because most short sales are beneficial to a lender. If you accept our offer to help you on a short sale, your lender may not agree to a short sale or to modify your loan. We do offer a loan modification kit.

However, the likelihood of negotiating a modification is like everything else in life. It takes work and persistence to convince your lender to modify your loan. No matter what you or we do, your lender may not approve a loan modification.

If you stop paying your mortgage, then you could lose your home and damage your credit. Because we know avoiding foreclosure is so important to any homeowner, we recommend that you speak with the appropriate legal or tax advisor before making any decision.

This is not intended as legal, technical, or tax advice. Please speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of the date of writing.

You have the option to reject a short sale or loan modification from your lender if it does not meet your approval. If you decide not to go thru with the short sale, then you do not have to pay us our fee.

The views expressed here are Larry Sarlo's personal views and do not reflect the views of Remax Preferred.

This information on Sicklerville Short Sales: The Most Effective Way To Stop Debt Collector Harassment is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions.

Related articles

• Don't Stand for Harassment from Creditors (creditrepair.org)
• Debt collection rules tighten (ajc.com)

Camden County NJ: The Short Sale Process from Beginning to End!

Short Sale Process from beginning to end

Sicklerville NJ – The short sale process can vary, but it will generally work as follows:

1) The lender is contacted to discuss the possibility of a short sale and to determine the lender's process for completing the sale.

Discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale to avoid foreclosure by clicking here.

2) The seller issues a letter authorizing the release of personal information about the loan and the property to the buyer or escrow agency.

3) The lender will review a settlement statement, which will indicate the proposed selling price, remaining loan balances and itemize all expenses, including real estate commissions and other fees and expenses associated with the closing.

4) The seller will complete a "hardship letter," which will detail and explain all financial difficulties. Lenders will usually want to validate the seller's financial situation by looking at bank statements, investment accounts, along with examining paystubs and other financial records.

5) The lender will then look to the broker to provide a price opinion by examining the condition of the house and the market value of comparable properties.

6) The lender will then want to scrutinize the purchase agreement to determine if all amounts are reasonable and the real estate commission is acceptable.

To get the lenders approval, first of all write a letter to him about your hardships, backing it up with substantial proof of your financial situation. The next step would be to place the offer.

It would help your case if you get your real estate agent to convince the lender that the price of the property has not been ridiculously lowered.

The last step would be to have detailed pictures and a map of the house, showing details of any repair work if required to be done.

Once the lender approves, the deal is ready to be closed. The buyer can then make out payment to your real estate agent, lawyer or short sale expert who helped negotiate the short sale.

The remainder of the funds is then diverted to paying off your mortgage. In case you are a buyer and are interested in buying a short sale property then you might get enticed at the low prices for a property in a high priced neighborhood.

However, it is better to take caution and not jump at the opportunity. First of all it would be advisable to suggest to your real estate agent to make enquiries with the listing agent and ensure that the property is a short sale one.

Before taking the leap hire an agent who has experience in short sale. Next, it is essential that your agent find out how much the seller owes the lender, who is in the title and whether a foreclosure notice has been filed.

Although the seller might have approved your offer, no deal can be made until the lender has approved.

Have a copy of your earnest money deposit sent to the lender and additionally the lender also might want to know if you are pre-approved and have your own loan available.

Most likely the lender will directly negotiate the commission with your listing broker since he is losing money. The deal will be finalized at this point. Thinking about a short sale?

I can help you short sale your property and never pay the bank another penny. Send me an e-mail at lsarlo@comcast.net. I will contact you for a free consultation.

When we talk, I will explain how the process works in detail and answer any questions you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can call me at 609-868-1171

Discover how other sellers successfully completed a short sale and request a free consultation by clicking here.

Thinking about a loan modification? Our Sicklerville loan modification kit has the instructions you will need to get a loan modification approved with your bank. Click here to request a copy.

Thanks for reading this, Larry Sarlo.

Larry is a Remax Preferred Agent Certified Property Expert. Sicklerville Short Sales Realtor: Phone: 609-868-1171. lsarlo@comcast.net.

When You want it Sold Fast

View short sales and foreclosures for sale at SearchNJForeclosures.com and LarrySarlo.com

Larry Sarlo specializes in loan modification assistance and short sales in Sicklerville New Jersey. Sicklerville Loan Modification Help, Sicklerville Short Sales. Sicklerville NJ Short Sales. Sicklerville Realtor.

Larry Sarlo is a RE/MAX Preferred Agent, Certified Distressed Property Expert CDPE
Please contact me at 609-868-1171, Email: LSarlo@comcast.net, Fax:856-258-6040

Office:856-589-4848,

Important Notice

Larry Sarlo, and REMAX Preferred, are not associated or affiliated in any way, shape, or form with the government. Our services have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by the government or your lender. Most lenders willingly work with agents on short sales. Why?

Because most short sales are beneficial to a lender. If you accept our offer to help you on a short sale, your lender may not agree to a short sale or to modify your loan. We do offer a loan modification kit.

However, the likelihood of negotiating a modification is like everything else in life. It takes work and persistence to convince your lender to modify your loan. No matter what you or we do, your lender may not approve a loan modification.

If you stop paying your mortgage, then you could lose your home and damage your credit. Because we know avoiding foreclosure is so important to any homeowner, we recommend that you speak with the appropriate legal or tax advisor before making any decision.

This is not intended as legal, technical, or tax advice. Please speak with a licensed professional before making any decision. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of the date of writing.

You have the option to reject a short sale or loan modification from your lender if it does not meet your approval. If you decide not to go thru with the short sale, then you do not have to pay us our fee. We normally make a real estate sales commission for helping you on a short sale.

The views expressed here are Larry Sarlo's personal views and do not reflect the views of Remax Preferred.

This information on Sicklerville Short Sales: The Short Sale Process from beginning to end is provided as a courtesy to our viewers to help them make informed decisions.

NJ Homestead Rebate Forgotten at Settlement, Get Yours or Lose Yours!

As taken from Page 2 of your NJ Homestead Rebate Application:
I owned a home in New Jersey on October 1, 2009, but have since sold it and moved. How will I get my benefit?
If you were the owner/occupant of the property listed in the application packet on October 1, 2009, and you sold the home before you file your application, be sure to answer “No” to the question “Do you still own the property for which you are filing this application?” when filing. In this case, any homestead benefit for which you are eligible will be issued in the form of a check (or direct deposit if you prefer) on or after May 1, 2011. If you sell your home after you file your application, be sure to take the amount of the benefit into consideration at settlement as the homestead benefit stays with the property, not the owner. 

Recently it has come to my attention people are losing their deserving NJ Homestead Rebates.  If you filed your 2009 NJ Homestead Rebate, lived in your home on October 1, 2009 and sold your home since filing, then you must ask for the amount at settlement or the new owner of your home will benefit from your NJ Homestead Rebate. 

My biggest dilema is how to figure what is coming back to you.  It;s not a complicated calculation but it takes a little digging.  Here it is:

Homeowners Under Age 65 and NOT Disabled The homestead benefit for 2009 will be paid as a one-time credit applied to the property tax bill for the second quarter of 2011.
If your 2009 New Jersey gross income* is...	Your benefit amount** is calculated by …
Not over $50,000	Multiplying the amount of your 2006 property taxes paid (up to $10,000) by 20% and then dividing by 4
Over $50,000 But not over $75,000	Multiplying the amount of your 2006 property taxes paid (up to $10,000) by 13.34% and then dividing by 4
Over $75,000	Not eligible

 So if you made 65,000 and your property taxes were $9000 for 2006.  Multiply 9000 x 13.34% =1201.00 divided by 4=300.00 for your rebate.  You would ask for this amount at settlement   Notify the settlement clerk of your title company.  Real Estate agents, you will do your seller clients a great service by putting this amount in your settlement figures and reminding the title clerk to credit your seller these rebate amounts.

Homeowners Age 65 or Older and/or Disabled The homestead benefit for 2009 will be paid as a one-time credit applied to the property tax bill for the second quarter of 2011.
If your 2009 New Jersey gross income* is...	Your benefit amount** is calculated by …
Not over $100,000	Multiplying the amount of your 2006 property taxes paid (up to $10,000) by 20% and then dividing by 4
Over $100,000 But not over $150,000	Multiplying the amount of your 2006 property taxes paid (up to $10,000) by 10% and then dividing by 4
Over $150,000	Not eligible

Also be sure you make consideration of non taxable income for NJ which is not included in the calculation of the incomes for the above graphs.

So Don't forget  Ask for your money or you will lose it...
Good luck and if you have any questions please contact me 609-868-1171  lsarlo@comcast.net 

How to Reduce Real Estate Taxes

Real Estate Taxes Appeal and Win !

Appeal Today Save hundreds or thousands Each Year After
It's Easy When you know How!

During uncertain economic times such as what were are experiencing now, the effort of appealing a property tax bill may prove well worth the time and effort involved.

Most people are intimidated to "fight city hall" but the fact is it's easier than you may think with proper information. Yes you can hire an attorney, the cost is around $1000 and more and even they will hire an appraiser to do most of the work anyway. There are companies that do it for a percentage of your savings... So if you save $1200 you pay them $600 depending on the agreed terms. You can hire an appraiser, but in most states if you hire an appraiser you also have to have them come to your hearing... So that process is about $600-$900. OR you can do it yourself in about 2 hours. Some realtors charge a small fee to compile comparables and others don't. The hearing is a very informal... You really want to try and discuss your case of tax reduction with the assessor at his office first. But usually that will be like beating a dead horse, but armed with organized data you could influence a change. Don't be fooled by the nice person behind the counter in your local office or the tax assessor. They are not personally attacking you, their job is to not destroy the tax base. While the majority of us are not appealing property taxes, the assessor's job is made easier by you just allowing them to charge you year after year the same amount. It's up to you to prove your home's value. Oh and when was the last time your property taxes were reduced? I have successfully fought my taxes on my properties for over 20 years and I now use an organizational system that makes it easier than I could ever imagine.

No Matter What State You Live in there is an Opportunity To Lower Your Taxes Now, But Your Window is Closing. About 2 hours of work could save you Thousands of Dollars, year after year after year. You will receive your tax break every year after, meanwhile your neighbors will be still paying higher tax bills... Reduce your taxes. Take advantage of economic times, otherwise while your property values decrease you will still be paying more in property taxes. Doesn't seem right does it?

Time to Appeal Your Property Tax

Time is limited You Must Prepare Now!

As the price of homes has skyrocketed in the USA, so have the property taxes. Now the price of homes are decreasing, your assessment is way over valued and not appealing your property tax now can cost you thousands of dollars...

It was estimated by the National TaxPayers Union, that 60% of all property owners are over paying on their real estate taxes. You could be leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table, year after year. Yet only 2% of property owners bother to appeal...

Reducing property taxes is immediate and very rewarding to an owners bottom line and ironically increases your property's value. Once you establish your new tax assessment, the savings is ongoing year after year. And in economic times as we have today the savings is significant and is well worth your time to fight for a reduction in your property taxes .

If you want to fight your taxes and fight them right, here is a link (Organize and fight for a reduction in your property taxes) that will get you organized and ready to win. With help from your local realtor and a little time you can save hundreds maybe thousands year after year. Don't put this off! Start today and save tomorrow...

Here is a link of most tax assessor's offices nationwide to start your search Nationwide Tax Assessor Search

During uncertain economic times such as what were are experiencing now, the effort of appealing a property tax bill may prove well worth the time and effort involved.

The Appeal Process in simple form:

• You must present proof of the value that your home is less than what you assessor has indicated on your property tax card.
• In order to do this you should have current real estate listings and current real estate sales. 3 each is a good number...
• You must present proof of the value that your home is less than what you assessor has indicated on your property tax card.
• Ultimately if you have all your ducks in line and your rehearsed speech your assessor will comply and take off hundreds and even thousands of tax dollars off your home property tax. It's really that simple! If he does not agee then you apply to the county for a reduction and you appear before a the county assessors

If you need help try this...Click here for help Appealing Your Property Tax This will help you organize and process your application to reduce your property taxes the right way, the first time! It's a low cost $39.00 Ebook but it will definitely help and definitely worth every penny.. I use the same materials...

Short Sale; Negative Reporting is Difficult, That Could Be in Your Favor.

Short sale has come into the living rooms in almost every home in the country. A term that was once only used by real estate investors and banks in an almost top secret manner, today is the topic of comnversation. In fact the term is used so loosely it seems to be the ultimate cure all of a bad situation in avoiding foreclosure.


What exactly is a short sale? Definition: Short Sale is a Real Estate Sales transaction where the proceeds of the sale fall short of the property owner's outstanding real estate debt obligations. A lender may agree to adjust the amount owed, and accept less than a full payment, forgiving the balance, if the seller is in a financial hardship or must relocate. When the lender agrees and you have a buyer for that agreed amont that is a short sale!

With that said, do you think you are a canadate for a short sale? Are you behind on your payments? Do you think you are at the end of your rope? Are you in preforeclosure? Are you in foreclosure? You maybe in all these situations or think you are heading towards them all at once. The fact is you have been told about short sales and it's your only hope. But is it?


In order to be considered for a short sale first your lender must approve it. You lender , you and the buyer are all now part of the contract of sale. And don't think anyone is going to steal it either. Banks are not fools. That's actually in your favor and I'll explain that in a minute...

Requirements to be consider for a short sale.

1. You must show hardship. You must show your inability to pay your mortgage going forward.
2. Caparable sale must substantiate that the home is worth less than the unpaid balance due the lender
3. It used to be the note must be in default, that is no longer the case in the current market. but default is a good basis of hardship.
4. Seller should have no assets.

Short sales may or may not affect your credit. Your ability to negoitate is the key. Always use an experienced negotiator familiar with Short Sales.

When your lender approves a lesser amount to sell the proeprty below the borrowers original loan amount the difference is passed onto the borrower on a 1099 as additonal income. So if the borrower earned 80k in their job and the short sale difference was 60k 80k + 60k=140k. $140k is what the borrowers regular income reported on the 1040. It would be issued as a 1099 to the IRS. Be prepared to pay income tax on the entire amount and in many cases this has put a borrower in a higher tax bracket. Now you owe the IRS money! A law was enacted called the Mortgage forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071220-6.html . This allows a borrower to have a short sale for a "qualifying primary residence" and not pay income tax on the difference. The banks are taking it on the chin and no other reprecussions are on the borrower. However in the negotiations lenders know this and are trying to sneak in clauses to make the borrower pay the difference. Garnishing wages etc. this is why it is important for you to have an experienced negotiator in short sales. The forgiveness act allows for a borrower to not pay any penalty but only on "qualifying" primary homes. 2nd homes and investments do not count. See the act for qualifying. Just because the governement is providing relief does not mean the lender will. You have to remember they are in the drivers seat, but so are too. You have leverage in that you have no other assests, you are about to be foreclosured on or showing hardship and the bank is acting on that problem to resolve so they don't get the property back because it's going to cost them $$$. This is for the bank's benefit too.

The biggest effect on a borrower is how this is reported on the credit report. Currently there is not a short sale terminology for reporting. So lenders cannot say short sale on your credit report. So many banks just zero the balance. Other lenders have used the term settlement, however this settlement term is broad and is reflected as a foreclosure with respect to scoring. The issue here is, there is a settlement but the bank has absorb the difference and the government has allowed forgiveness. this reporting may lead another legal problem as to how the terminology may be stated or is stated. Because a short sale is not a forclosure. And a report indicating a short sale as a foreclosure is wrong. I'm sure I'll get lots of arguements on that but it's true. (Opinions are opinions) The future will determine this. But acording to Equifax this continues to be a problem because generally they cannot make specific differences of a short sale. So when negoitating the short sale ask for a zero balance. Have it in writing. This could mean the difference in being able to buy in a year or so when you get back on your feet again or not being able to buy for 3-7 years.

The fact you are already in pre or foreclosure already means you have negativity on your report. If you are doing this before any negativity reported and can negotiate the hardship ( and it has been done, I did it for a client) you may be able to prevent any negativity reporting.

My point here is negotiations is the key. Seek out a professional, not just a Real estate sales person but someone who is savy in negotiations with short sales. It will make the process smoother and less likely to bite you back later. A lawyer for legal advise, a tax professional for tax advise, a short sale negotiator to make the deal and a real estate pro to sell the house. It's a team to get the job done right. The worst scenario is you get a settlement reported, 2-3 years you get another mortgage because millions of others wee just like you too and it was all due to a national event not just your personal creation. The whole country should be forgiven going forward. Heck the banks are getting their forgiveness by the Fed's with the bailouts.

The information I am providing you is exactly that. So you can be somewhat informed when and if you attempt a short sale. If you hire a pro at least you will have some insight as to how things should work.

Good luck.

I Welcome any comments.