There is no easy way to deal with needing to sell your property. It is often a gut-wrenching time and always very stressful.  It is absolutely essential that pride and/or "I'll give it some more time" thinking not be part of your solution. You must get help from professionals.

I have heard countless stories about sellers who could have benefited from an initial serious review of their situation and their options with people who know the laws.  Now the options are continuously changing, I'll give you that.  Nonetheless, at the very beginning of the "I need to sell or get out of this house" process it is an essential step to lay your cards on the table with the right people.

It goes without saying that you do not want to add the cost of an accountant's and/or attorney's advise.  Yet this makes all the difference in the outcome.  You will have a cast of professionals trying to help you sell or "get out of your house" so that you can move on with your life.  Like with the construction of a house, a good foundation is a must.

Call your lender (start with the number on your statement) or, if it is a local bank, go in person and explain you are experiencing difficulties which preclude your being able to honor your commitments on the mortgage note.  Even though it may be difficult, admit that you can not fulfill your financial responsibilities to them and you are sorry to be in this situation.  Ask for their help.  (Please like to help especially if asked.)

Call your accountant and attorney.  If you don't have one, contact a local bank and ask them,  "Can you share 3 or 4 names with me of accountants and attorneys who specialize in working with my situatioin and residential short sales and foreclosures?"

Call your REALTOR.   If you do not have a REALTOR, ask the accountants and attorneys you interview for names of at least 3 REALTORS who they feel understand your situation and will be able to help you.

When you speak with the attorneys and accountants and REALTORS, interview them until you find one that will work well with you.  Look for experience.  Do they explain in ways you can understand?  Are they listening to you?  Ask how they get compensated.  Some receive payment from the proceeds of the sale of the property.  Again, ask for their help.
 
There are many possible outcomes.  If you start here, the chances of you making the best of this situation are predictable.  Don't wait.  Get professional help now.

The road will be rough for awhile.  You will get through it.  I'm not alone in wishing you the best.


Cynthia Corogin
REALTOR
RE/MAX Results Realty
Marco Island
www.CynthiaCoroginRealtor.com
239-389-3272
CynthiaCorogin@Aol.com