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Contact Information

Donna Hermsen
Bunbury & Associates Realtors
6650 University Ave
Middleton, WI 53562
Phone: 608 770-1140
Email: DonnaHerms@aol.com

Testimonials

Dear Mr Bunbury, As a former owner of a company we know valuable employees are to your success. This is why we are writing to express our complete satisfaction with Donna Hermsen. A little background on the history of our home at 7809 Cobblestone Circle, Middleton. The house had been on the market for one full year, we had vacated athe house on November 1 and moved to S.C. When it was time to to list again, with a 3rd agent, in January, I spent considerable time on the internet trying to find a new agent. I was impressed with Donna's bio and called her to take a look at the house. Our two sons were in the process of installing some updated light fixtures and were at the house when Donna & Dan looked at it. We also had another agent/team from another agency look at the house while our sons were there. After talking to Donna and the other agent, and asking our sons for their opinion of which agent to list with, it was unanimous that Donna was the choice. I was very anxious listing with anyone, and not meeting them and being so far away (S.C.) from the property. Donna was fantastic, she kept us informed of every showing, she followed up with each possible interested party and her negotiations with the selling agent were very professional. The closing couldn't have gone smoother. All paperwork was done via email, and she was prompt and excellent in any answers to questions we had. I will recommend her to anyone I know back in Middleton/Madison area that is thinking of selling or buying a home. Sincerely, Gloria Kuehn Testimonial Gloria Kuehn
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What is a Short Sale Anyway?

An increase in foreclosure rates will inevitably bring with it an increase in short sales. But what is a short sale?

A short sale happens when you sell your house for less than your remaining mortgage balance, the proceeds of which go to the lender and in return the lender forgives the remaining balance. Selling your home as a short sale is one way to avoid foreclosure.

As a general rule, lenders lose money when they foreclose on a property. Consequently, they would rather not have to foreclose if it can be avoided. A short sale represents an opportunity to cut their losses because a short sale usually allows them to recoup more of the cost of the loan than a foreclosure process would.

However, don’t think that a short sale is an easy thing to accomplish. In order to get permission for a short sale, you must provide documentation showing a genuine financial hardship. And don’t think that the decision for accepting a short sale is solely in the hands of the lender. Sure the lender must first agree, but this is not the final word. If there is mortgage insurance involved, this company also gets input on the decision. If there is an investor backing the mortgage, they also get input as to whether to accept a short sale.

The transaction process for a short sale can be rather cumbersome as well, whether you’re on the buying or selling side. Many short sales fail due to additional demands by the lender, such as requiring the broker to reduce his or her commission and/or that the seller signs a document requiring him or her to pay back the shortfall.

If you’re on the selling side of a short sale, consider having your agent or other experienced professional negotiate with your lender for a better deal. And remember, if the lender does accept a short sale and forgives part of your debt, that is considered taxable income and you must declare it as such to the IRS.

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