With the economy being what it is these days, now is the time to focus on all of the amazing short sale opportunities in the marketplace. Don’t know what a short sale is? It’s when a Seller’s bank is willing to accept a discounted price to clear out an existing mortgage. To qualify, homeowners don’t need to be in default on their loan. In fact, many banks will consider short sales in Scottsdale if the Seller is current but the value of the home is significantly less than what’s owed.

When the housing bubble burst, a whole new crop of short sales in Scottsdale flooded the market. Interestingly, experts are predicting that even more are going to hit the market toward the end of 2010. Thinking of taking advantage of the great deals on short sales in Scottsdale? Great! But, you need to hire a short sale real estate agent first. Here’s what to look for before signing a contract:

1.  Somebody with short sale experience. Short sale homes are much different than traditional sales, and can come with all kinds of additional steps and delays if you don’t hire a qualified agent. Find a short sale real estate agent who is certified CDPE to help navigate these murky waters.
a. Want to mention something about the importance of CDPE, since our agents         are getting certified

2.  Interview several agents before making your final decision. It’s important that you find somebody you’re comfortable working with, who you’re sure has your best interests at heart. Look for an agent with knowledge of the neighborhoods you are looking into.  Negotiations will run much more smoothly when your agent knows the appropriate comps to support the home’s value.
a. Want to emphasize the importance of area expertise

3.  If you want serious results, you have to be serious yourself. One of the most important things to consider before hiring a real estate agent is whether or not you’re ready to purchase a new home and prepared for the length of time it takes to receive bank approval.