Short Sale Seminar Separates Myth and Truth

Lakewood Ranch, FL, October 28, 2011 --(PR.com)-- “Short Sale Myths and Truths,” a seminar for homesellers facing a potential short sale, will be held Tuesday, November 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

Professionals from different fields have crossed industry lines to educate the public about the latest trends in short sales and how to recognize predatory practices and scams. The presenters are Mary Howard of CornerStone Title; Jim Soda of The Soda Group, a Realtor team with Keller Williams Realty; attorney Anne L. Weintraub of the Band Weintraub law firm; and attorney and Certified Public Accountant Jo Ann Koontz of the Yesner and Boss law firm. Topics will include:

Mary Howard: What is a Short Sale?
Pros and Cons
Achieving a Successful Closing and Clear Title for the Buyer
Jim Soda: Listing and Selling Your Home
Anne Weintraub: Negotiating with Your Lender for Approval
Jo Ann Koontz: Tax Consequences

“Regrettably, the current real estate market is attracting unscrupulous individuals who prey on homeowners facing a short sale,” said Soda. “Homeowners need to consult with a trusted professional to ensure that they are not manipulated during this most vulnerable period. This seminar is a great opportunity to get important information, free of charge, from the professionals.”

“CornerStone Title is community focused and we felt that there is no better time to help educate the public and provide accurate information related to this current topic,” said Howard. “We want sellers who are potentially facing a short sale to understand that we have compassion for the situation and that we are a partner in the solution.”

“The short sale negotiation process can be lengthy and tricky, which is why it is a good idea for the homeowner to understand the process before it starts – from beginning to end,” said Weintraub. In seven years of practice, I still have not seen two identical homeowners. Everyone has their own set of facts and each case is unique. Most homeowners do not know that each bank has its own set of rules and guidelines, so short sale results differ in each case.”

"The tax consequences of a short sale are very complex and confusing – and incorrect information is everywhere,” said Koontz. “My focus is in helping sellers reduce or even eliminate the tax that they will owe as a result of a short sale. This process is much less intimidating when people understand what to expect and the information comes from a reputable source."

Seating for the seminar is limited. To register, call (941) 708-0300 or send an email to register@cornerstonetitle.biz.

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