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About the Kara Homes & Associates Team

Michael Kara's dedicated team of real estate professionals successfully closed more pro-consumer short sales in Central Florida last year than any other single agent.  Kara Homes & Associates can help make your short sale process quick, efficient and stress-free.  Kara Homes has the expertise and proven track record needed to expedite the successful sale of your home.  Additionally, we strive to help protect your credit, working activity to minimize the impact of the short sale on your beacon score.  You have nothing to lose but the stress and worry of being trapped by an upside down mortgage.

What Makes Us Different?

Don't waste your time and money dealing with huge firms.  Most require an upfront retainer fee and do little or nothing with your file.  At Kara Homes, you'll be working one-on-one with our dedicated team; people that you know and trust to handle your file.  When you call or email our office, you're contact us personally, not a call center.  You're not a case number, you don't get assigned a case worker, no unreturned phone calls or emails.  We'll communicate with you weekly while effectively negotiating your short sale and we're here to answer your questions.  Real estate transactions (especially short sales) can be tedious and frustrating, so dealing with your Realtor shouldn't be.

Who We Are

Michael Kara - President & Broker
With a resume so chock full of successful businesses and real estate closings that it would make your head spin, Michael is the most experienced member of the Kara Homes team.  He's been in Orlando real estate for over 15 years, and when it comes to short sales, he knows what works and what doesn't.  Michael understands the inner workings of the lending companies and their number-crunchers, and could recount the process in his sleep.  He closely follows the government changes that are being made and keeps his finger on the pulse of the federal agencies that police and accredit the mortgage lenders.

Weird Fact:  I would NEVER win a spelling bee.
Current Obsessions:  Kiteboarding and community volunteering.
Favorite Food:  Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  MMMMMmmmmm....

Jacklyn Eckley - Transaction Coordinator & Short Sale Processor
Jacklyn came to us with several years of real estate experience, which was fortunate because she completely revolutionized the way that our office stores information.  By far the most organized member of our team, her approach to managing the transactions is refined yet simplistic.  Her attention to detail is unreal and her charming personality shines through in even the most hum-drum of tasks.

Favorite Quote:  "When life hands you lemons, make a Lemon Drop!"
Least Favorite Food:  Brussel Sprouts (UCK!!!)
3 Bucket List Items:  Zip lining in Costa Rica, adopt a puppy, complete a Triathalon. 

Teresa Cusano - Short Sale Negotiator
With over four years of short sale negotiations experience, Teresa definitely has a knack for pushing the right buttons.  The lenders need to deal with a no-nonsense facts-based negotiator who presents them with details that affect all aspects of the sale.  For us, Teresa gets the job done by (literally) arguing a repetitive presentation of facts and valid points.  It is indeed a VERY tough job, but someone's gotta do it.  But that someone can't be just anyone; the short sale negotiator is one of the most pivotal roles in any short sale office and Teresa is tops.

Favorite Way to Relax:  Shopping!
Something That Creeps You Out:  The burger king King, portapotties, "Jersey Shore" on MTV
If You Had A Million Dollars...  The question isn't what WOULD I do, the question is what WOULDN'T I do!?

Brittany Milstead - Marketing/PR & Client Relations
As the office marketing guru, Brittany's job is mostly centered around a computer (or two at once).  She received a Bachelor's degree in 2009 from Troy University, and she has been working in real estate marketing since 2007.  Her outgoing personality makes her ideal for client relations and she relishes getting to meet new people and helping them understand the processes involved.

Wanted to be When You Grew Up:  I wanted to be a rockstar.  So, yeah, marketing is totally similar.
When You Think Nobody's Looking?  I sing.  LOUD.
Favorite Vacation Spot:  Manhattan's SoHo district.