What's a Short Sale?

There are many rumors out there and bad informationBanks are not in the business of foreclosing on
on what is and isn't in today's market. This is when aproperties, but in the business of lending money. The
lender agrees to take less than what's owed on thecosts of the foreclosure process, directly and indirectly,
property. Most people are amazed when they seeare what cost the banks money. As long as a
that banks will negotiate debt when a property isborrower in foreclosure can show the bank or lien
inevitably headed towards foreclosure. Borrowers doholder that they will net more money accepting a
need to prove some type of financial hardship in mostlesser pay off vs. going to foreclosure, the majority of
cases. Many people tend to think that foreclosures andbanks in this market will approve the deal. In our
pre-foreclosure properties are the same, but that is notcurrent market this is another way to mitigate the
the case.bank's loss. They will encourage this option instead of
On a short sale the borrower or person in foreclosureforeclosing on the property.
is the owner of the property. BANKS DO NOT OWNThese transactions can take more time than
SHORT SALES. This can also known as apurchasing a regular bank owned foreclosure because
pre-foreclosure sale. The seller is participating to avoidthe final net amount to the bank must be negotiated. If
a costly foreclosure from appearing on their creditsomeone is inexperienced in this area it is strongly
ultimately, which can be very damaging. A foreclosureadvised that they seek the advice of a professional
will report to a borrower's credit and will have negativeloss mitigation specialist. A typical time frame on
effects for quite a while, many say up to 7 years.negotiating a short sale is 90-120 days. Timing will differ
They can also avoid deficiency judgments bybased on the bank and deal. If you are a purchaser
negotiating a settled account on their credit. Banks dotrying to purchase these types of transaction you
not like short sales, but they prefer them over amust have patience.
foreclosure.