A title company has aligned with Integra Group Real Estate LLC and Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. to form a well-oiled short sale producing machine in Arizona as the popularity of these transactions start to heat like the desert sun.
Integra, a brokerage firm specializing in the marketing and sale of REO, HUD and distressed properties in Southern Arizona, announced its partnership with Fairway Independent Mortgage and “one of the nation’s largest providers of title and escrow services” to provide distressed homeowners in the region with short sale consultations. The specific title company was not disclosed.
As the market continues to shift toward short sales as an alternative to foreclosure, companies are looking for better ways to manage and navigate a complicated process. Through this partnership, Integra said homeowners can receive short sale consultations, legal counsel and assistance from a certified public accountant (CPA). All parties involved offer homeowners the input needed to make informed decisions regarding short sales or other homeownership options.
Fairway provides personnel to assess credit score ramifications and refinancing options, identify home market values, discuss future purchase options and answer any homeowner questions. The title company partner will supply the title report and make escrow officers available to address homeowners’ concerns. The attorney partner will provide legal advice regarding the potential liabilities and statutes of selling or surrendering distressed properties while the CPA will assist with tax consequences that result from short sales and help determine the amount of taxes the homeowner could be liable for, or receive relief from, under law.
“This partnership will ensure homeowners who are struggling to understand all of their options are provided with personal, professional support and high quality information,” said Eric Lichtenheld, president of Integra. “Homeowners are frequently advised to consult with a lawyer and CPA before entering into a potential short sale, but many CPAs and lawyers avoid the subject due to the inherent liability. This partnership brings all necessary specialists together in one counseling session to effectively inform and assist the homeowner.”
Distressed homeowners are able to receive short sale consultations at a discounted price, and then are reimbursed if they move forward with a short sale transaction, according to the company.
Founded in 2005, Tucson, Ariz.-based Integra Group Real Estate is a brokerage firm specializing in the management, preservation and marketing of REO, HUD and distressed properties in Southern Arizona. Through its proprietary Integra Process, the broker provides strategic property evaluation, counseling, preservation and property marketing assistance to four of the top 10 U.S. mortgage lenders.