CLEAR A PATH TO CLOSE Distressed properties made up nearly 25 percent of all home sales this past year, but closing deals within this niche can prove difficult. Mortgage brokers and originators should learn to identify some of the most common problems in working with distressed properties and how to overcome them. » Read more...» More on this topic   CLIMBING OUT OF DISTRESS As many loans made at the height of the market mature this year, commercial mortgage brokers must be ready to help clients refinance these properties, many of which are underwater or distressed. Bridge loans may provide the right financing, but a thorough knowledge of the various lending opportunities is crucial to brokers' ability to succeed in this market. » Read more...» More on this topic     MORE RESIDENTIAL-EDITION ARTICLES APPRAISALS: Close more loans with the right company FRAUD: Be sure of borrowers' identities INVESTORS: Find new opportunities in distressed homes MARKETING: Promote your work, but don't break the bank BACKSPACE: Deciphering the distress signals DATA DECODED By Svenja Maarit Gudell, Zillow "Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., are likely to experience a bottom this year as they start their recovery process, but cities like Phoenix and Riverside, Calif., are not far behind." » Read more...» Past columns   MORE COMMERCIAL-EDITION ARTICLES CMBS: Find the right exit from distressed assets LIQUIDITY: Export financing can help cash flow FORECLOSURE: Receivership sales offer an alternative NNN: Are triple-net deals right for your clients? RESTRUCTURE: Put together a shield against future woes PROPERTY TYPECAST By Victor Calanog, Reis Inc. "This past fourth quarter provided reassurance that multifamily properties weren't quite done yet with their bull run: Vacancies dipped by 40 basis points." » Read more...» Past columns     SPOTLIGHT: OHIO Economic woes have taken a toll on the Buckeye State. Will natural gas lead the way to recovery? » Residential Market » Commercial Market   Tell us what you're seeing: Our monthly, award-winning Spotlight feature analyzes industry trends in states across the country. Which states are still struggling and which are on their way to economic recovery? Want to be your area's quoted expert? E-mail us if you're in: » Alabama» Wisconsin» Utah   FEATURED TOP ORIGINATOR Diane T. Clark PrimeLending No. 4 Top Purchase Volume (2011) PrimeLending's Diane T. Clark closed more than $97 million in purchase loans in 2011. Her commitment to delivering quality customer service has kept her in demand. » Read more... » Top Originators 2011 rankings       ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK? If so, "like" Scotsman Guide to receive news, updates and more! We also provide updates on our annual Top Originators rankings on our dedicated Top Originators Facebook page.     FOLLOW US ON TWITTER Scotsman Guide's editorial team posts industry-related links, news, updates and more: EDITOR: @ScotsmanGuideED RESIDENTIAL EDITION: @ScotsmanGuideRE COMMERCIAL EDITION: @ScotsmanGuideCE SCOTSMAN GUIDE TOP ORIGINATORS: @TopOriginators     INTERACT ADVERTISE: Learn more about appearing in Scotsman Guide EDITORIAL CALENDAR: Download our editorial kit and find out how to submit articles. FEEDBACK: Share your questions, comments or ideas. MANAGE SUBSCRIPTION: Update your contact information and subscription status.     FREE Digital MagazinesResidentialCommercialLoan PostContact UsForward to a friend   © 2012 Scotsman Guide All Rights Reserved You are subscribed as %%$email%%. To unsubscribe from Scotsman Guide E-newsletter notices, click here: Unsubscribe To unsubscribe from ALL Scotsman Guide notices, send an e-mail to GlobalOptOuts@scotsmanguide.com Scotsman Guide Media, P.O. Box 692, Bothell, WA 98041-0692 - Phone: (800) 297-6061 Fax: (425) 485-3550