Are you having trouble making those W-2s look real? Shirley Matlock, REALTOR® of 28 years and Certified Residential Specialist, recently had a deal fall through because the client admitted he couldn’t make his W-2s look real! Luckily, the lender Shirley used was an honest one, and they weren’t going to let the client negatively affect himself and others. Listen in to find out the lessons Shirley learned through this experience, and find out how to build yourself and your network so you know how to avoid – or get out of – these sticky situations. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:35 – Introducing Shirley, a Maryland Howard County REALTOR® of 28 years and Certified Residential Specialist 01:45 – A “CRS” is like a real estate PhD; you must have taken certain courses and sold a certain amount to qualify 03:30 – Shirley’s CSIRE story 03:45 – The most current one is a referral story; a client’s neighbor wanted to buy the house he was renting 04:10 – She went to the property and came up with a value; she called the landlord and the landlord said the owner was out of town for a month 04:45 – She called back and the same man said the property management company owns the property; he was the property management company 05:05 – They came up with a price but couldn’t get the clients W-2s; the client committed fraud and made fake pay stubs 06:20 – The deal fell through; the man had never paid income taxes and couldn’t figure out how to “make a W-2 look real” 06:30 – What happens next 06:40 – The client had filled out an application with a lender; it’s up to the lender to report it if they want to 07:20 – The lessons 07:30 – People are harmed when people cheat the system; this is an example of why you need a good, honest lender 08:40 – When you apply for a mortgage, you need valid documents proving your income; the banks aren’t always at fault for foreclosures 09:30 – Advising buyers to use the trusted resources you have 10:00 – Shirley gives her clients a few lender options to choose from and makes sure first-time buyers get their benefits 11:30 – Shirley’s advice 11:40 - REALTORS®, get as much education as you can in a variety of settings; you can never learn enough 12:40 – Buyers and sellers, ask your REALTOR® what they’re currently learning and when they’re taking their state continuing education 14:30 – How to reach Shirley: by email at shirleymatlock@remaxx.net and by phone (410)465-7777 3 Key Points Find an honest, reliable lender who will play by the rules. It’s best for realtors to work with people they know and have a relationship with. Get as much education as you can!  Credits Audio Production by Chris Mottram Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder