In today's market it seems like we all may face a short sale deal somewhere down the road. In short, theses sales are not going anywhere fast. A recent article in CNN projected that by 2011 almost 50% of home owners will be underneath their mortgages. Below are a couple of ideas for real estate professionals.

Qualify the seller. is there a foreclosure date? Are they in bankruptcy? Have you give enough time to find the buyer and complete a short sale package?

Manage the listing. This is easier said than done in many cases. Protect your commission in MLS and do not provide tax advise to the seller.

Qualify the buyer. Will they be willing to wait? Do they have the funds?

Prepare the short sale package quickly and impeccably

Lastly be be patient and be persistent. This will be the most difficult transaction you will do all year. Remember to always be kind and respectful to everyone you are dealing with, or the lender may just choose to dismiss your file all together. Then everybody comes up short!