It's true - any Realtor will tell you.  Every Real Estate Professional however, is not fully educated or trained in the very details that can "blow up" - or save a deal in a day.  The current Florida Association of Realtors/Florida Bar Association Contract for Sales and Purchase of Real Estate is ten or eleven pages long depending on if it is a Standard or "As-Is" Contract.  In this current market, the majority of Contracts being written are "As-Is."  Why?  Because a large percentage of properties Listed here in Lee County are distressed - either Foreclosures or Short-Sales.  There are no funds on the Selling side to make replacements or repairs.  "As-Is" means the Buyer and Seller agree the property will be conveyed in the existing condition at the time of Showing - or is it Listing? - hmmm ...  just one of the "devilish details."  Contract Terms involve more than Purchase Price, Financing, and Closing Date.  And what about the Addendums ?  A very common one being used currently is the "Short Sale Addendum to the Sales & Purchase Contract."  How does this affect the Contract?  The terms of the Addendums supercede the correlated clauses found in the main Contract. Now we're up to at least 11 pages, but there are other forms necessary making the average total closer to 13-15 pages.  Thankfully, the newly revised version of our Contracts do have a bit larger print - and even some spacing between the lines ! With a Short Sale - the Terms now extend to include "Approval Deadline," "Third-Party Approval," "Hold-Harmless," "Arms Length Affidavit," etc.  Deadlines and Extensions are critical factors to monitor throughout the Contract process.  One missed step - can - make or break a deal.  My intent here is not to frighten - but to caution.  I've barely touched on the details and specifics to preparing and reviewing a Contract.  Make sure your Realtor, and their team - are detail oriented ad nauseum ! More importantly, make sure you work with a Realtor who is educated and trained both in the basics - and in the advanced and ever changing conditions of the current market.  A national-brand franchise does not necessarily mean a well-trained Agent.  Success depends on both the Agent - and the office Broker.  At Maxim Realtors, we have an excellent Broker in Steve Daria.  His mission and integrity are the reason I joined this team.  Let us help you by taking care and caution with your "devilish details!"   Lisa Farmer  (239-770-7721)  www.maximrealtor.com/lisafarmer

Lee County Affordable Housing Dept. has $23 million dollars to help the "Hardest Hit" residents in our area.  So far, I have helped one family remain in their home through this program, simply by directing them there, and I am hoping to hear of another very soon.  With so many families struggling financially, many are facing foreclosure.  As a Realtor, I work hard promoting the wisdom of a Short Sale vs. Foreclosure.  Many many sellers are benefiting by Short Sales - buyers too - Short Sales are great deals!  With the help of this program, however, some sellers don't need to sell - they can remain in their home with financial help for up to 18 months.  For details go to     www.FLHardestHitHelp.org.

     Last week, thanks to my awesome Broker, Steve Daria, I attended a "Get Motivated Seminar," which was widely promoted and sold-out both days.  Top billed speakers were Colin Powell, Rudy Giuliani, Zig Ziglar, & Laura Bush.  Admiring the accomplishments and professional philosophies of each, I signed right up.  Each presentation was, as anticipated, excellent, entertaining, and informational.  More than that, each was inspirational.  These four, along with three other guest presenters, touched on the most important element in their success - relationships.  And deeper than that - they acknowledged the vital element of their relationship with God.  Here's the most interesting part.  The emcee for this national company, who travels the country and beyond year after year, announced that the #1 requested topic for these seminars - more than financial success - is spirituality.  I personally find this extremely interesting. 

     This event is promoted as motivation towards professional success.  It was not once close to a church service or religious experience.  Yet, one speaker, Krish Dhanam, did return to the stage for an additional, optional (of course,) ten minute talk on "Spirituality," in which he shared some on his own spiritual journey, and faith in Jesus Christ. Invoking an experience with Mother Teresa of Calcutta, whom he had met personally, Mr. Dhanam described a life-changing event in his walk with God.  I noticed most of the audience remained in their seats for his talk - not choosing to "opt out."  

     Interesting to me is the fact, that people attending these huge gatherings on getting motivated,  - are really looking to be inspired.  Interestingly, another guest speaker, James Smith, successful financial coach and self-proclaimed really proud father of two adult sons, also touched on a principle relating to our current economic and social climate.  His statement, "... fear is from the dark-side, confidence comes from God ...," resonated loudly within me and simply stated - resonates loudly within my experience as a Professional Realtor.  People are afraid - of what?  People are attending motivational seminars looking for - who?  For me the "who" is easy, and my "interest" is really a sadness.  I know it's not politically or professionally correct to cross the lines into the spiritual arena, yet, for me there are no lines.  I need God in my life, my relationships, and my career. 

     I understand fear often when I make a phone call regarding a problem with a deal, or hear a client say "I don't think I want to go through with this."  I understand the darkness of not being able to see the future.  I also believe that God, who created me, wants me to do well, and be well, in this world.  I think of how I feel about my own children and loved ones.  Wouldn't God want the same for me?  Believing I have God in my corner, I find the confidence to make the phone calls and quell the concerns of clients.  As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe His teaching ..." ... The kingdom of God is within and among you...."  Lk:17.21. 

     I did get some great professional advice at the seminar.  I was reminded that five and six years ago, when the market was climbing like a rocket, people were flocking to buy.  Were they afraid of "missing out? "  Today, the market has dropped 50-80%, and people are afraid to buy ... hmmm ....  makes you wonder ... where's the fear coming from ?...  hmmm.   

     If you'd like to discuss how I can work with you to better your current situation in the Real Estate arena, call me @ (239) 770-7721.  Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres Florida all have tremendous opportunities right now due to the large volume of Foreclosures and Short Sales.  The banks are working more every day, cooperating with owners in Short-Sales, rather than going to Foreclosure.  If your property is not distressed...  good for you! - The market still recognizes and appreciates the value in solid property !

So often - too often, clients ask their Realtors for advise beyond the Realtor's experise and licensure.  One reason is time and another is money.  Interesting that these are also the two main fields of negotiation in Real Estate transactions.  Some clients are looking for "one stop shopping" in a Realtor.  This is natural for most everyone in general.  Some are also looking to save the expense of consulting an attorney and/or tax accountant.  In a Short Sale, many variables come in to play where a Realtor does not have the education, or legal authority to advise a client.  As a Licensed Professional Realtor, I have certain duties and obligations in all transactions.  These also include following a Code of Ethics as determined by the National Association of Realtors.  Giving legal and/or tax advise falls clearly outside the boundaries of my duties & obligations, as well my legal authority and ethical responsibility.  My best advise is to recommend clients with legal or tax questions regarding a Short Sale or Foreclosure to discuss these directly with those professionals who are educated and licensed to do so.  My time is best spent doing what I am educated & skilled in doing ...  Listing & Selling Real Estate.  I must know or be willing to access the laws pertaining directly to a Real Estate transaction and involving a Real Estate Agent.  If I want to gain your trust ... and I do - I must provide you with solid information pertaining to the Real Estate market.  This requires daily review and practice.  By remaining focused on my specialty, I am better able to offer you the solid counsel and advise you deserve!  Call me today for a no obligation discussion about working together on your next move.   LISA FARMER, "Certified Short Sale Specialist & Distressed Property Expert,"   (239) 770-7721.

Last year at this time, being involved with a Short Sale was the last thing I wanted to do. A year later, Short Sales are almost the only type of deal I work with. Major banks and lenders are implementing programs and streamlining procedures resulting in smoother and quicker Closings. In Southwest Florida, particularly Lee County where I am based, we are in one of the hardest hit economies in the United States. New Construction and Real Estate were the financial lifeblood for the first 25 years I lived here. For the past 5 years however, it's been like the cliche "live by the sword - die by the sword."

Short Sales are our new lifeline. Investment and Commercial properties are emerging onto the Short Sale market. As with residential sellers, investors reap the same benefits of a Short Sale by avoiding foreclosure and the hard tole it takes on their credit - both present and future. An Agent with solid communication and negotiation skills will have the best chance of getting the Listing to Close. Even if only one Agent of the two in the deal has the know-how, they can help the other along.

When I find myself in a never been there situation - I immediately tap in to available resources. People like helping people. I talk to my Broker, other Agents, my Title Company, and of course I do the necessary research. We are still in a market where "firsts" are going to be happening for several months, if not years to come. Having a "one hand helping another" attitude will get us all through these difficult times.   I invite you to visit my real-time MLS link for searching properties -  www.lisafarmer.listingbook.com.   If I can answer your questions regarding selling or buying Short Sales - call me directly @  239-770-7721  or email me   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .