The new “Short Sale Seller Advisory”, co-authored by the Arizona Association of REALTORS® and the Arizona Department of Real Estate, really manages to keep its finger on the pulse of the real estate industry in Arizona. Given the number of rumors and innuendo about short sales and their affect on consumers, it was definitely time to set the record straight.

This is NOT a “one-size-fits-all” approach to short sales, that would be impossible given the differences in consumers’ personal circumstances. What this advisory does is give the consumer a place to start so that they have access to a number of resources to help them make a personal decision that is right for them and their family.

So, given the importance of this document and the prevalence of short sales in our market area, how do you present it to your clients? Let’s discuss some “talking points” that you can adapt to help you deliver this valuable advisory:

“There is so much information out there that is incorrect, irrelevant and just plain wrong, that I wanted to give you this advisory just released by the Arizona Association of REALTORS® and the Arizona Department of Real Estate. I think with a little research through the website links it provides, you’ll be able to determine for yourself the affects of a short sale for your personal situation.

You can find the Advisory here (http://www.aaronline.com/documents/ssseller_advisory.pdf).”

“As you know I am NOT a lawyer or a CPA but it occurred to me that I can provide you with this advisory, just released by the Arizona Department of Real Estate and the Arizona Association of REALTORS®. While it may not answer all your questions, it is an excellent place to start researching your individual situation.

You can find the Advisory here (http://www.aaronline.com/documents/ssseller_advisory.pdf).”

“I was so thrilled to receive this advisory provided by the Arizona Department of Real Estate and by the Arizona Association of REALTORS® that I had to share it with you. Please take a few minutes to review this information to see what applies to your individual situation. It is a great tool in researching your family’s needs.

You can find the Advisory here (http://www.aaronline.com/documents/ssseller_advisory.pdf).”

“I am sure as soon as you mention ‘Short Sale’ to anyone there will be more advice than you can absorb. I finally received an advisory to help you research your individual circumstances. This document gives you a great place to research whatever your individual needs may be.

You can find the Advisory here (http://www.aaronline.com/documents/ssseller_advisory.pdf).”

We know you’d never want to “accidentally” practice law or give tax or legal advice. This advisory helps you avoid just that problem while providing your clients with a solid place to start in researching their own wants and needs. Now you don’t have to be afraid of giving misleading advice to the detriment of your clients. This advisory should be used in all short sales transactions for the benefit of the seller, your client.