Let's just jump right into 2012, shall we? I imagine it's my kickback, low-key vacation that made me say that to an agent yesterday. While others are nursing champagne hangovers, I'm dealing with offers on my short sale listings while still on vacation in Hawaii.
We changed hotels yesterday and are now at a property featuring private bungalows on the beach. Waves rolling to the front door. Palm trees in the sand shading our patio. Green turtles asleep on lava. I could certainly get used to this lifestyle but I won't because soon I will be back to Sacramento and into the trenches -- but that doesn't mean I won't enjoy it while I can. One of my clients pointed out that she has not learned how to "receive" but was working toward it. Just let me say that "receiving" has never been a problem for moi.
It is so peaceful and quiet, except for the sound of waves hitting the shore. When the sun comes up, which it has not yet, yellow-billed cardinals with their velvety little red heads sing while clinging to coconuts. Who doesn't like Hawaii, I ask you? Answer, my husband. I think he was born with a brain aneurysm.
I thought business would not begin to perk back up the second week of January, but between yesterday and today, I have received 3 offers. At least one of them is complete and ready to be signed.
I know my sellers will be thrilled. Buyers do not realize how happy they make sellers, especially Sacramento short sale sellers, when they make an offer to buy their home. I have a reputation for making buyers cross their t's, dot their i's and swear on a stack of Bibles that they are serious about following through on their purchase because I do not want my seller's hopes dashed.
Short sales is an emotional business. More is at stake for a short sale seller than any other kind of real estate transaction. For those reasons, as a Sacramento short sale agent, I take great care to ensure the best experience possible for all parties concerned in the short sale.
The Aloha for short sales cannot be taught -- it can only be shared. Alo = presence, Ha = divine breath.
Photo: Elizabeth Weintraub
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Certified HAFA Specialist
My Sacramento Real Estate Listings
Elizabeth Weintraub is an author, home buying columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown and East Sacramento. Weintraub is also a Sacramento Short Sale agent who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout the four-county Sacramento area. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you. Broker-Associate at Lyon Real Estate. DRE License # 00697006.
The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, available at Amazon.com.
Lyon Real Estate is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.
Photo: Unless otherwise noted in this blog, the photo is copyrighted by Big Stock Photo and used with permission.
The views expressed herein are Weintraub's personal views and do not reflect the views of Lyon Real Estate.
Disclaimer: If this post contains a listing, information is deemed reliable as of the date it was written. After that date, the listing may be sold, listed by another brokerage, canceled, pending or taken temporarily off the market, and the price could change without notice. It could blow up, explode or vanish. To find out the present status of any listing, please go to elizabethweintraub.com.
Elizabeth,
First, Happy New Year! What a great place to spend it too! Hawaii is so beautiful and to top it off your getting offers! What a great start to the new year.
:) Matt
Glad to hear that the vacation is going well. Love the photo of the ocean. I've gotten a few Equator messages from WF today. I'm surprised that the banks are actually working. Happy New Year to you. I also just want to take a minute to tell you how much I have enjoyed your blogs these last few years, and how much I admire your consistency and internal drive. You are one smart cookie, and I am glad to know you--albeit only through the Rain.
What a gorgeous setting! I love Hawaii, maybe you can leave hubby at home and take me next time :)
No wonder you are so chipper. Look at that view. I'm getting some raised eyebrows by asking Buyers for proof of their down payment on a Short Sale offer. When banks say they want proof of funds, they are serious. It's no joke. A lender letter covers the amount borrowed, bank statements cover the amont they are putting down. This doesn't have to be complicated.
Eilzabeth, you are one lucky gal to be in HI still! I love it there for sure!!! I was pretty busy in December too and the closer to Christmas, the busier I was. Hope it all continues throughout 2012!
Enjoy your time there!
Elizabeth, we spent three week there two Christmases ago, and what a beautiful place! Congrats on your offers!
Exciting that you are busy, but they could give a little vacation huh? Hope you're having a great time in spite of the offers. LOL
I love your vacation blogs Elizabeth. Enjoy your time away and congrats on getting the year started off w/ a bang!
Hi Matt: I love the picture of your Persian. That is a Persian and not a picture of your head, right?
Hi Melissa: What a kind thing to say, thank you. The feeling is mutual. You are one of the few people I know as dedicated to short sales as myself.
Hey Cynthia: Aren't you coming here in March?
Hi Chris Ann: If you are getting raised eyebrows over the POF, I'd question the authenticity of the buyer. Short sales are not a second-class transaction.
Hi DeeDee: I feel very lucky to be in paradise.
Hi Patricia: I think Hawaii is the best place to spend Christmas.
Hi Tammy: You know me, all work and no play would be dull.
Hi Colleen: There are still a few more days of photos to come.