SS # number on Authorization to Release Form

[Michael G.]

So I tracked down the seller of a home she walked away from. Its right in my farm area. Perfect short sale candidate. So i'm 10 minutes into the conversation with the seller and I'm feeling the love. She says the magic sentence "What do you need from me" . YES! in the bag right? WRONG. I tell her I just need her to return the Authorization to Release Information form. She says "That asks for my SS#...you need my SS#?" Me: Yes. Seller: I don't feel comfortable doing that. Me: This is common practice. The lender will not allow me to speak with them about the property without the authorization form. I assure you that I would not risk my business or personal reputation by doing anything inappropiate with your personal information. Seller: I dont care. I dont know you and I dont give my personal information to people who send me letters in the mail and show up on my doorstep.(I think to myself "hmmmm...she has a good point...how do I respond to that?) Me: I tell her that if you call an attorney and ask them about the short sale process they will request the same information. The bank will not allow me to speak to them without this info. Seller: I'll call you if I'm interested. (ouch...insert image of deal flushing down the toilet bowl). Actually she said she would ask some people about if this were on the up and up or something to that effect. My questions: a) Can I submit an Authorization to Release Form to a lender without the sellers SS#? b) Is there a way to sign a legal document in front of an attorney that basically says I will use the sellers personal information soley and exclusively for retrieving information from the lender about the property? Maybe that would make her feel more comfortable? I'm open to any and all suggestions on this issue. So close, yet so far...

[Maryann L.]

Michael, some lenders ask for the full ss # but most have alternative questions they can ask. The thing is most lenders also ask for tax returns so if the homeowner is squeamish about the ss# then how the heck are they going to give you tax returns (which GIVE you ss #)

I have a separate document that lists out all the things I require and if they don't give me something on the list I tell them there is little I can do to get a short sale done. They either want it done or not...tell them the ball is in their court but you need basic info to submit with the package.