Well summer is finally here (almost) in the Northeast Ohio area. It seems that the Cleveland area has been especially hard hit with the mortgage meltdown. Agents like myself are trying to clean up the aftermath by holding foreclosure prevention seminars and handling short sales as a last resort when there is no other alternative. They are not always pretty but someone has to do them. They are also a great opportunity for investors as well as 1st time buyers.

I always start by telling the homeowner not to look at the situation as a failure but rather as a setback from which they will recover. That little bit of encouragement means a lot and tends to make it easier for the seller to handle the whole process which in turn makes it a little easier for me. I have been doing short sales for about 2 years and they don't get any easier with time. The banks have still not come to the realization that they had better start working with us rather than against us.

A big plus for us in Ohio is that the Ohio Supreme court has initiated a foreclosure mediation process and is encouraging all of the courts to adopt the policy. They are offering training for mediators because they don't have enough. This is another great opportunity for us as Realtors to get involved. They were thrilled to see me as a realtor participating in the mediation training. I was told that we are "golden" and the program needs us because we already have all of the skills and knowledge we will need to effectively mediate foreclosure cases. If you are interested in helping get a mediation program started in your state feel free to contact me and I will share what little information I have. Remember this is all new here too.

This will also position you with the property owner to help them with their short sale if no resoution can be found by referring them to an agent who can handle short sales. Short sale may actually be the outcome of the mediation and if both parites agree to it them the job of the agent just go a whole lot easier. Good luck and keep helping each other.

Sincerely,

Karen Posner

Hello to all. I am always looking for network opportunities to trade referrals. I specialize in relocation and investment properties. I have a large network of investors that I work with in and out of state who purchase in this area. I have helped many families relocate across the country in the last few years. You can feel comfortable knowing that I will serve the needs of your referral clients and will pay a referral fee to you. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you and start a long and  propsperous relationship with you.