Being a REALTOR has taken on a whole new meaning for me.    I have gone from a salesperson who specialized the marketing of property for sale and helping buyers find their new home, to so much more than that.   Helping homeowners avoid foreclosure by successfully finding alternatives such as short sale has made me so much more than a salesperson.  I am a problem solver, listener, helper, and facilitator.    I am genuinely helping people and making a real difference in their lives.  For buyers I am assisting them in navigating the more complicated web of purchasing short sales and REOs.  Helping them avoid the obstacles that arise in these types of purchases.  It has become harder than ever to be a buyer with tighter lending standards, distressed properties and long wait times. 

We look around in this industry and are often hard pressed to find positives and things to be thankful for.   But, there is plenty that I am thankful for.  The challenges of this market have made me a better REALTOR.  I have been given the opportunity to not only help my neighbors buy and sell homes, but help them improve thier lives.  By necessity I have been motivated to learn more, so I can help more. 

This REALTOR is thankful… 

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

Does this mean that homeowners are completely off the hook and won’t have any costs?  No, in some cases depending on your financial situation the lender may ask the homeowner to contribute to the loss with a cash contribution or promissory note.  An experienced short sale real estate agent can assist you in minimizing these and working on a win-win solution for both the homeowner and the lender.  In some cases the cash contribution or promissory note can be the key to having the lender release the homeowner from any future liability.

How can you afford not to do a short sale?  When the alternative is foreclosure which can be devastaing to your credit, your future ability to purchase a home again, and result in larger tax consequences – how could you afford not to consider a short sale?

If you are a homeowner facing difficulties making your mortgage payment, consult an experienced short sale agent as soon as possible.

“Receiving this award is truly an honor and having my mother, who was the 2008 Realtor of the Year recipient, present this recognition makes it even more special,” Schaller said. “This award also reflects on the entire Dickson Realty Truckee office and what we’ve accomplished this year in working with our clients and providing a competitive edge for buyers and sellers allowing all of us to excel in today’s market economy.”

Schaller is a graduate of University of California, Los Angeles where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. Returning to his hometown of Truckee, Calif., after graduating, he joined Schaller Family Real Estate after obtaining his agents license in 2001. Schaller received his broker’s license in 2004.  As an active community member, Schaller serves as the community service chair for Truckee Noon Rotary, the program chair and president-elect for the Lake Tahoe Music Festival and is involved with the Tahoe Forest Hospital Leadership Council and Truckee Unified School District Advisory Council.

For more information on Dickson Realty Truckee, visit online or call 530-587-7444.

The Reno Sparks Association of Realtors (RSAR) presented Shocket with the Matt Gibbons Memorial Award at their annual dinner this past November. The award was in recognition of her service to RSAR, her high ethical standards, professional accomplishments and volunteer service to the community.

Shocket was also honored by the Northern Nevada Chapter of Women’s Council of REALTORS® last month. During the group’s annual installation of new officers, Shocket was named the 2009 Member of the Year. The award recognizes an outstanding member who has exhibited dedication and service to the chapter.

A truly committed professional, Shocket has earned numerous professional designations during her career including Accredited Buyer Representative, NAR’s Green, and Certified Residential Specialist. She is a Graduate of the REALTOR® Institute, Performance Management Network, and Nevada Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy. To better serve her customers during these challenging times, Shocket earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation and became a member of the Nevada Association of REALTORS® Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce.

Originally from Southern California, Amy Shocket has been a Sparks resident since 1995. She is very active in the local real estate community, currently serving on the RSAR Board of Directors, as chair of the RSAR Education Committee and is a former president of the Northern Nevada Chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors. Shocket is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.

You may contact Amy Shocket by phone, (775) 815-7627, by e-mail, amyshocket@sbcglobal.net, or by visiting her web site Reno-SparksRealEstate.com