Short Sales Explained

A short sale of a home can be an excellent solution for homeowners who need to sell, and who owe more on their homes than they are worth. In the past, it was rare for a bank or lender to accept a short sale. Today, however, due to overwhelming market changes, banks and lenders have become much more negotiable when it comes to these transactions. Recent changes in corporate policy have also improved the chances of getting a short sale approved.

But to be technical, here's a more official definition:

• A homeowner is 'short' when the amount owed on his/her property is higher than current market value.

• A short sale occurs when a negotiation is entered into with the homeowner's mortgage company (or companies) to accept less than the full balance of the loan at closing. A buyer closes on the property, and the property is then 'sold short' of the total value of the mortgage.

For homeowners to qualify for a short sale, they must fall into any or all of the following circumstances:

• Financial Hardship– There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.

• Monthly Income Shortfall – In other words: "You have more month than money." A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.

• Insolvency – The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

Several banks have allowed short sales without meeting the above criteria, don't let this stop you from pursuing a short sale if you owe more than your home is worth.

This seems simple enough, but it is a complicated process that takes the expertise of experienced professionals. We hold the CDPE® Designation and we are ready to identify all possible options and, when possible, assist in the quick execution of a short sale transaction.

If you have questions or feel you want to pursue a short sale, please contact us for a free consultation at 480-332-6468 or send us a confidential email on our contact page.

Understanding your options now could mean all the difference in the world.