So what’s keeping me so busy? I mentioned in my last entry that business keeps pulling me in other directions. In fact, many exciting new developments have commanded my attention, making it difficult to sit in front of my computer to blog.

The Robin Camacho Team moved to Sellstate NRES in June. Not all of my Team members were invited to join me. Five-Star Service is what clients should expect from a “Top 10” agent, so it was time to cull the herd before handpicking a few more of the best. My agents are equipped with market knowledge and tools that allow them to provide the best service in the industry. Call me demanding, but my agents must provide superlative service or they’ll be very unhappy short-timers. I remain in the top 50 buyers’ agents in southern Nevada, thanks to my loyal clients. I like to think it’s an acknowledgement of my efforts on their behalf.

I admired Realty One Group, and it was hard to leave. But what’s best for my clients is best for me. Sellstate NRES owner Michael Krein, the visionary President of the National REO Brokers Association, is a successful broker on the cutting edge of the short sale stampede. Strategic defaults are rising while loan modifications are rejected daily; to keep ahead of market shifts, I surround myself with other experts. I’m a Certified Distressed Property Expert (a black belt in foreclosures and short sales), but Mike is the short sales Sensei. In my quest for enlightenment – okay, at least continual improvement – I align myself with the best.

I’m enjoying another record-breaking year. Even with the distractions of a big move, our momentum continues to build. I’m Sales Leader for my first two months at Sellstate. Big hugs to all of you who helped me get there (I’m into free hugs after Burning Man). My only goal for the next 12 months is to continually provide award-winning service to my clients. That’s it.

Sellstate NRES provides me with a bigger toolkit, allowing me to be even more responsive to my growing list of clients. Weekly advanced training for my agents, state-of-the-art technology and Mike’s keen insight enhance my ability to meet my fiduciary duties to my clients. I’ve been told by many clients that I walk on water; not true – I make it look much easier than it actually is. Helping my clients meet their real estate goals is fun; it’s also challenging. An agent who isn’t abreast of rapidly-evolving policies and trends shouldn’t be in the business. (Do you want fries with your burger?)

Many of my clients are now working with Danna Hagenburger of Academy Mortgage, one of my preferred lenders. Academy is now the #1 independent lender in the nation. Like me, Danna never gives up. She’s creative, and her troubleshooting skills parallel mine. I know, her last name is ridiculously long – but you can’t call someone that good-looking The Hag. I put up with all 4 syllables because Danna is another great resource for my clients. (I almost said tool…heh heh, did she just call Danna a tool?!) When confronted with a challenge, Danna always finds a way to make a difficult loan work – she’s that experienced.

Speaking of mortgage lending – I’m going to blog on this topic soon. Danna has promised to pitch in, as has my preferred private investor lender (read “hard money”). My investor and vacation home buyers love Homepath, a loan program for eligible, Fannie Mae-owned homes that allows for lower down payments and a larger portfolio of financed homes. Other innovative programs exist, but I love this one right now. No appraisal, and no mortgage insurance. 3% down for primary residences, and 10%-20% for non-occupant.

I’ll blog on Homepath and other mortgage topics next week. While LVA readers are for the most part high-dollar earners and rainmakers, the short sale stampede is reaching even this group. Those who’ve lost or short-sold a home in this terrible economy may find that private investor lending, while pricey, might be their ticket back to homeownership. A topic for another day.