When a homeowner faces default on their mortgage, there may be two options: foreclosure or short sale.  Foreclosure can be devastating, both emotionally and financially.  A short sale, or one in which the lender accepts a selling price less than the amount owed, is a better option for both the lender and the homeowner. 

Regrettably, nearly seven out of ten homeowners proceed through foreclosure without ever listing their home for sale.  This is due largely to perceived myths about the process, and we need to put a few of these misconceptions to rest.

First, homeowners assume the bank would rather foreclose than accept a short sale.  Not true - foreclosure is often more costly for the lender, and short sales often sell for more than foreclosed listings.  The banks are trying anything possible, within reason, to avoid the foreclosure process.

Next, homeowners believe there is a stigma attached to short sale listings, and that buyers have no interest in such properties.  Not true - to the contrary, many smart buyers are specifically seeking out such offerings for the value they present compared to traditional listings.

Finally, homeowners often assume that there's not enough time to close a short sale before foreclosure is final.  Not true - foreclosure is a lengthy process and there is time to negotiate a better result, but you need to start today.

Larry Weichman is President/ Broker for Costa Mesa based Weichman Realtors. His company has served Costa Mesa since 1976.  Larry also has over 15 years of experience in Bank Repos and Short Sales and non foreclosed real estate, his clients include General Electric Mortgage, Home Savings, Associates Finance, Transamerica. Current clients include Bank of America, Ocwen Financial Corporation, Countrywide and Keystone Asset Management to name a few. Larry is President of Weichman Associates located in Costa Mesa California. He has sold real estate since 1976 and is a 3rd generation Real Estate Broker. Larry has closed escrow on over 1,100 properties; from townhomes to commercial buildings. Please be sure to visit us on the Internet at www.TeamWeichman.com, www.OCHomeTracker.com or www.OCRepoBroker.com or you can call me at 714-241-4532