A short sale is the sale of a property for less than what the owner still owes on the mortgage. A short sale is an alternative to foreclosure when a homeowner needs to sell and can no longer afford to make their mortgage payments.
The lender agrees to accept less than the amount owed to pay off a loan now rather than taking the property back by foreclosure and trying to sell it later. Lenders agree to a short sale because they believe it will net them more money than going forward with a lengthy and costly foreclosure process.
Can Any Real Estate Agent Effectively Handle My Short Sale?
No. A short sale is a very complicated real estate transaction and one that has very important implications for you. More than any other type of residential real estate transaction, a short sale should be handled only by a real estate broker who has substantial experience with the short sale process , and a strong track-record of success in negotiating short sales for their clients. You wouldn’t have your family doctor perform heart surgery. And, you shouldn’t expect any real estate broker to be qualified to handle this highly complex real estate transaction for you.
Why Should I Choose A Short Sale Over Foreclosure?
Whether you should do a short sale or let your property go to foreclosure depends on several factors. In most instances, a short sale makes more sense than foreclosure. In general, when you want to obtain a loan to purchase a property in the future, more opportunities will be available to you if you do a short sale. And, contrary to popular belief, you can be current on your payments and still do a short sale. In fact, if you are current on your mortgage through a short sale, you can qualify for an FHA loan afterwards without any waiting periods. The same option will not be available following a foreclosure.
While doing a short sale will negatively affect your credit, there are many benefits to choosing a short sale over foreclosure. With a short sale, you are in control of the sale, not the bank. You may sleep better at night knowing who is buying your home, and you can spare yourself the social stigma of foreclosure.
Every homeowner’s situation is different, so we always recommend that you speak with a real estate attorney that can advise you on the legal and tax implications for your circumstances.
Will I Get Any Money From The Sale?
Unless specifically authorized through a federally-sanctioned program such as HAFA, when a lender approves a short sale, they typically require that the borrower (seller) not receive any money from the sale of the property since the lender is going to take a loss on the loan.
Can I Keep The House Through A Short Sale?
The purpose of a short sale is to get the property sold, so you do not keep the house. Just as in a normal sale, you will be moving, typically when the sale closes. Some sellers choose to move before the house closes. You will not be allowed to remain in the house. If your intention is to remain in your house, you should consider other options besides a short sale.
READ PART 2.
Distressed Properties Solutions Network
The Distressed Properties Solutions Network starts our program with a FREE consultation and Situational Property Analysis. During the consultation we will listen to your goals, help you with the reality of the situation and present you options that are in your best interest and in line with your goals.
We have no interest or financial gain by suggesting one strategy or professional over another, except for your best interest.
Foreclosure is a complicated and emotionally draining process. If you are having trouble with mortgage debt, it’s often best to research many options. Distressed Property Solutions Network has access to a team of professionals that work together to help you.
The Network has a documented record of success in matching owners with professionals that utilize all options and strategies. Our mission to do all that can be done to help you accomplish your desired outcome. Stop a sale, defend a foreclosure, find a way to work it out with the bank, short sell or bankruptcy as a last resort. Our team looks at each file as a long term process, and advocates credit repair and rebuilding from day one. You CAN apply for a mortgage with our mortgage partners one day out of foreclosure or short sale. So preemptive work is always in the works if that is the direction you want to go in.
Call for a NO COST in depth review of your situation. The networks legal partners are available to you on the first call ready to work with you immediately.
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