What is a short sale?
A Real Estate short sale occurs when the homeowner sells the house for less money than is owed on the mortgage.
In order to conduct a short sale, the seller needs the permission of their lender or investor.
The shortfall between the sale price and the value of the mortgage is often forgiven by the lender.
In some cases, your mortgage company may request the seller to contribute to the sale in the form of cash at close of sale or a Promissory Note that will be for a small portion of the amount owed…
Example:
You owe $50,000.00 on a 2nd lien or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). The bank holding this mortgage or "note" may request that the seller pay 5 or 10 cents on the dollar or in this case $2,500 to $10,000 to get rid of $50,000.00 in debt…Now That’s A Deal!Understanding and Setting Your Expectations
Q:
Will a Short Sale Stop a pending Foreclosure?A: In some cases yes…ach scenario is unique…est to consult an experienced agent to get the answer.
Q:
How will my credit be affected by a short sale?A: Our experience is a hit of between 50 to 150 points. Just as your credit score is unique to you…he impact will be just as unique.
Q:
How long does a short sale take?A: A "short sale" is to the contrary, not short in length of time. Most short sales take on average 90 to 150 days to complete after the short sale package and an accepted offer has been submitted to your mortgage company, bank or loan servicer.
Q:
Can I live in the home during the short sale?A: Yes.
Q:
Will my Federal (IRS) and State taxes be impacted by a short sale?A: In most cases not on the Federal (IRS) level as you will be protected by "The Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act of 2007". When it comes to state taxes, this is unique to your state laws.
Q:
Can I participate in the Governments Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program?A: Under the current qualifications to the HAFA program, no one can guarantee participation or acceptance into the HAFA program as the decision is up to your mortgage company and its investor’s as to your approval for participation.
Q:
How do Real Estate Agents commissions get paid?A: Your mortgage company and real estate agent will negotiate this amount and it will be paid by your mortgage company.
Q:
I’m behind on my property taxes; do I have to pay them current?A: No. The mortgage company, bank or servicer will pay the taxes current prior to close of sale.
Q:
I am late or past due on my Home Owners Associations or HOA dues?A: The HOA has equal power as your mortgage company to foreclose or hold up a short sale from being successfully completed. Unfortunately, mortgage companies will not, in most cases pay any past due mortgage payments or fines. We always request that the homeowners continue to pay the HOA dues through the entire short sale process and if they are late, get current!
SECRET: You can usually negotiate with the HOA to reduce these past dues or any associated fines by simply asking.
