We were asked to call a friend’s divorce lawyer regarding the sale of his home. His soon to be ex-wife was living in the house, not paying the mortgage, not allowing showings and they had been given a notice of default months ago. The husband wanted to do a short sale…he understands what the ravages of foreclosure will do to him for years to come. I explained to the husband, if his ex did not allow showings, changing listing agents would in all likelihood not change that situation .
He called his lawyer and told him we would be calling. I called the lawyer and identified myself as a realtor and acquaintance of his client who had asked me to call on his behalf.
“Why Should I Talk to YOU ?” he snarled.
“I am calling at the request of your client who does not want to go into foreclosure and wants to list his home with an experienced short sale agent.” I explained.
“I am not discussing this with you…you aren’t gaining access…I will talk to the other lawyer..they have been in foreclosure before … and we’ll make that decision!” CLICK !
Gee…Attorney “Jones”….we are all on the same page…or should be…(how many times do you think they go into foreclosure with the same house…) we work with lots of lawyers…you are the first to be this rude without listening to the facts as we know them to be…including that the house is not listed or marketed as a short sale…has one exterior picture out of season and has very limited showing hours. Explain your position to your client when the sheriff pays a visit for the sale…and your client has his wages garnisheed and credit ruined….hang your reputation on that…and hang up the phone before knowing as Mr. Harvey used to say, “the rest of the story.”
Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, CSS, e-Pro,ILHM, REDS
Sally and David: I know that this reponse is somewhat off topic ... but I have often wondered why the legal profession has not sustained more of a negative impact regarding the mortgage crisis and its behavior? At least in a large portion of the transactions in our area, there was legal representation during the glory years of ARMS and supposed mortgage transgressions. If that is true elsewhere as it is here, why is the legal advice received and legal actions taken during that time not receiving more attention and scrutiny? Why the "hands-off" opinions now? So many times, home buyers use non-real estate attorneys during their transactions ... and the results are what you speak of in your post. Poor advice or little attention until the actual closing. It shows (IMO) the urgent need to utilize an attorney with real estate expertise, education, and experience. Just somewhat of a personal concern and gripe of mine, I guess. I appreciate that you bring the subject of poor legal representation to light ...
Gene
Wisconsin is a little different than Illinois...if an attorney is involved (this one was a divorce/family law attorney and not real estate) it is not the norm...not required. We do have an attorney on our short sale team....but unlike Illinois, they are not an untegral part of every transaction. This person let his ego and less than polite manner get ahead of his head in my opinion.
I'd assume this attorney is not going to get any referrals from you! Even if he specializes in divorce, he should recognize that REALTORS get all kinds of requests for referrals!
I am sure that goes double for referrals FROM him...all this at the request of HIS client...geeeeez !
What a fun guy. I get lots of referrals from attorneys because they want to work out a situation not ruin it!
Attorneys are among our best sources for referrals...in this case, I can't imagine he gets many from anyone either.