Monday, June 13, 2011

Designations are no Substitute for Experience

      Just because someone has Short Sale designations and endorsements it doesn’t mean that they are experts. I believe that experience makes you an expert. It doesn’t matter how many designations or how many short sale classes someone takes. Having a designation means that at least that agent knows how to put together a short sale package to send to the lender. They sat through a class or a webinar and learned how to put together a short sale package. I mean let’s face it… It’s not rocket science!
      It’s important to know that none of these designations require experience. That's where the problem is. An agent can have numerous Short Sale designations and market themselves as: "expert", "specialist", "professional", "genius", "certified", "consultant" and so forth. When the reality is they have never listed and closed on one successful Short Sale. This is very misleading for people.
       My designation is real life experience. I don't have any Short Sale designations or endorsements. At the same time I coach agents on how to do successful short sales all of the time. For me short sales were never difficult. They are just a process. It didn’t take me very long to figure out what was included in a short sale package to the lender. All I did was ask them. From there short sales involve negotiating and I’ve been a negotiator most of my life. I even have to negotiate with my own kids on a daily basis! A deal is a deal is a deal.
      As far as ever changing rules, regs and laws. You stay on top of these by being in the Short Sale business, listening, asking questions and researching. A designation class may get you started but it certainly won't make you an expert. Only experience will do that. Even after negotiating over 400 successful short sales I still don’t consider myself an expert. Even though that’s what it says on my business card.
     I’m constantly updating my website with testimonials from real clients as well as proof of everything else we’re doing. Once I send a potential client to my website they’re able to see what we’ve done and what we’re about through testimonials, videos, press releases, blogs, etc. So if you are looking to hire a Short Sale company or agent, don't ask for their designations. Instead ask to see proof of their track record.

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