I've been asked to take a SHORT SALE listing for a property which will be vacant in 1 week and the owners are moving out of state.

I'm concerned about what's going to happen to the lawn and garden if no one waters the plants or grass, or cuts back the weeds.

My market is tough enough and only the cheapest properties or the cherry's are selling.

Since this is a Short Sale and there is no guarantee that the bank will agree to whatever offer we get - I hate to waste my own money/time maintaining the property for the next several months.

Also - since the lender will be paying the commission (not the seller) I don't think I can expect reimbursment at closing.

Suggestions?

That is a problem that I had before. Neither the property owner or the bank would agree to pay for the lawn maintenance. I had to just let it grow. I don't know the solution unless you want to do it yourself. I was lucky to get a commission at all, let alone lawn maintenance. Luckily, the property sold in about a month, but this really bothers me to see an unkept property.

Best of luck -
I have had banks make it to agreement that the property owner maintains the property or no deal considered

Salem - that's an interesting idea.

My first thought, though, was that if the client found out that was my idea, they would feel betrayed.

Wouldn't it be straighter (at least at the pre-listing stage) to spell that out as my own policy, before I can agree to take their listing?

Did this seller get along well with the neighbors? If so maybe he can get the neighbor to cut it

OOOPS, my ignorance is showing... What is a short sale?

Short Sale: The negotiation of the transfer of ownership of real property with a mortgagee, when the property is financially over-encumbered (ie 'upside down').

or:

The lender(s) agrees to take less than the total amount owed to satisfy the debt, (short or discounted mortgage) and the seller is able to transfer title and avoid foreclosure.