Facing a short sale in the Coachella Valley? You don't have to navigate it alone.
I negotiate directly with your lender so you get a fresh start, serving homeowners and Realtors® across the Coachella Valley and all of Southern California.
Offered at no cost to the homeowner.
You're not alone, and there are options
A short sale can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. I negotiate directly with lenders, asset managers, and servicers to secure approvals, often on properties with multiple liens and even reverse mortgages. Here are some of the institutions I've negotiated short sale approvals with:
How the short sale process works
Free consultation
We review your situation together, confidentially and with no obligation.
Gather your documents
I help you assemble the hardship package your lender requires.
List & market
Your property is listed and marketed to attract a qualified offer.
Lender negotiation
I negotiate directly with lenders, asset managers, and HOAs on your behalf.
Approval & closing
Once approved, the sale closes and you move forward with a fresh start.
Recent results
Two liens, one approval
A Palm Desert homeowner with a first and second mortgage from different servicers. I negotiated both approvals in parallel and closed within 100 days.
Handed off, handled fully
Referred by a listing agent partway through escrow after the lender stalled. I restarted the file and secured approval before the buyer walked.
HOA lien resolved
A La Quinta condo with a past-due HOA lien threatening the sale. I negotiated the lien down alongside the lender approval so escrow closed on schedule.
About Stephanie West
REO & Short-Sale Specialist · Listing & Buyer's Agent · Keller Williams La Quinta
With 24+ years of real estate experience, I'm a proven REO and short-sale specialist known for precision, communication, and tech-driven systems. As a 6x Associate Leadership Council (ALC) member and Market Center Tech Trainer at Keller Williams La Quinta, I combine deep market knowledge with the right technology to guide clients and agents from valuation to closing.
- Hired directly by Realtors® to negotiate complex short sale transactions with multiple liens and lenders, including reverse mortgages
- KW Default Community member, specializing in distressed-property transactions
- ALC Member of the Year ×2 · ALC service 2019, 2022–2026
- Redfin Partner Agent since 2010
- Former REO Listing Agent for Fannie Mae & Carrington Mortgage
- CA Real Estate licensed since September 2002 · DRE #01352763
- Serving the Coachella Valley plus Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, San Diego, Orange & Los Angeles Counties
What people say
"Stephanie has a vast knowledge of the process of short sales. It is a very tedious job. Gathering all the proper information, submitting the proper forms, dealing with the lenders/banks. She is the best. She is tenacious and stays consistently on track. If you are looking for an above average person who will work for you, Stephanie is the one to choose. Knowledge of the process, integrity and honesty are her tools of the trade."
Barbara Cunningham
Realtor®
"Stephanie and Team listed and sold my home. It was a short sale and was a very long and challenging escrow. Stephanie's expertise in short sales proved to be invaluable. She handled the communications and negotiations with the 2 lenders and coordinated with escrow. I appreciate her diligence and terrific follow through. I highly recommend Stephanie."
Janice K, Homeseller
Bermuda Dunes, CA
"Stephanie's communication and follow-through make asset management straightforward, even on complex files. A trusted partner on the negotiation side."
Kim Hosea
VP, Real Estate Asset Manager, U.S. Bank
"She has helped me over the years negotiate several short sales and with much success. She knows how to get to the right person in the shortest amount of time and is very professional."
Diane Flaherty
Realtor®
"Oh my gosh. Stephanie SAVED the day and got the short sale to CLOSE! The deal was complicated with multiple lenders and one lender being very difficult. Without Stephanie being ON TOP of every detail, the transaction would not have closed. She rocks and made my life so much easier!"
Robert Kalin
Coachella Valley Realtor®
"This was a 'short sale' and she worked her b___ off and at the same time and kept me totally informed immediately of every step. She worked "overtime" to make the sale happen and deserved every penny she was paid!"
Charles, Homeseller
Bermuda Dunes, CA
Get in Touch
Facing a short sale? Reach out for a free, confidential consultation. I handle the lender negotiation and paperwork from start to close, at no cost to you.
- 47100 Washington StreetLa Quinta992253
- (760) 227-5446
- stephwest@kw.com
Common questions
What is a short sale, and how is it different from foreclosure?
A short sale is when your lender agrees to accept less than what is owed on the mortgage so the home can sell, avoiding foreclosure. It typically has a smaller impact on your credit and gives you more control over the outcome and timeline.
What does it cost me to work with a negotiator?
My negotiation fee is covered by the commission paid by the lender as part of the short sale approval, so there is no out-of-pocket cost to you.
How long does the short sale process take?
Timelines vary by lender and file complexity, but most short sales close within 60-120 days from listing to approval. Files with multiple liens can take longer, and I keep you updated at every stage.
Will this affect my ability to buy a home again?
Generally yes, but less severely and for a shorter period than a foreclosure. Many clients qualify to buy again within one to two years, depending on their loan program.
I am a Realtor, can you handle the full negotiation for my client?
Yes. I am hired directly by Realtors to manage and negotiate short sale files end-to-end, including lenders, asset managers, escrow, and HOAs, while keeping you and your client informed throughout.
