[SinglePic not found]In addition to recently launching the Audio Home Finder, RE/MAX equity group just announced a new, simple method for buyers to get information on a home. It’s the RE/MAX mobile website: www.equitygroup.com. The mobile version of RE/MAX equity group’s website is built specifically for cell phones and other mobile browsers. The site allows consumers to search all real estate listings from RMLS and WVMLS, in addition to broker’s open houses. Simply go to the site, enter the RMLS number or street address, and the results will automatically be populated on the phone.

The best part about this is that because it is not an application, it is not limited to specific devices, nor does it require any downloads.

For those that don’t have a web-enabled cell phones, the Audio Home Finder works great. Interested buyers can simply enter the number that is on the ‘For Sale’ sign in front of the home, and instantly receive the home specs and price. Email me and I can get you started.

This chart is great. It shows the average sale price and number of homes in 3 categories: unsold spec homes, new net sales, and average pricing by month.

Click on the chart to enlarge….

[SinglePic not found]Short sales can be long and complicated. The length of time to obtain an approval of a short sale request is significantly rising, with some lenders even requesting up to 90 days to review a short sale.

The following steps are the most common steps required by most lenders to facilitate a shorts sale:

1. Contact your lender for information: Most lenders will not approve a short sale until there is an actual offer to negotiate. Banks and mortgage services are typically understaffed and busy trying to work out situations with clients who already have offers on their properties. To save some time, find out exactly who you need to speak with and grab a “short sale package” with a list of all of the forms.

2. Market your property to find a buyer: Components include pricing the property to attract potential buyers, staging furniture to present your house in the best possible light, and using good marketing tactics.

3. Negotiate an agreement: A typical short sale home sells for a bit less than other properties. If you’re an owner in this situation, you may be offended at selling your property slightly below market value, but remember that the lender won’t allow you to receive any proceeds anyways, so you’re not making a direct loss. If you are in a time crunch and the possibility of getting foreclosed on is looming, you may need to price the home below market value in order to attract buyers.

4. Put together a short sale package for your lender: It is imperative to get this package filled out so that by the time you receive an offer, you are prepared. Whether you are the home owner, broker, or attorney, there is a lot of information that needs to get to the lender.

5. Start calling the lender: Lenders are swamped with phone calls and packages so be sure to send them the information in 2 different forms. If they ask for the package to be faxed, then fax and email it. This way, they are sure to get it one way or another and begin working on it.