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Short Sales- How Much Will Lenders Pay Toward Closing Costs?

By
Real Estate Agent with Team Sandy Blanton Realty, Inc.

Buyer's Closing Costs

I'm just throwing this out there to get a feel for what you (other agents) have seen in your experience with short sales. It's common in our marketplace to see offers where the seller is asked to pay up to 6% toward buyer's closing costs and prepaids. In a "retail" sale, there's no problem with that but I personally have found that, in the majority of short sale cases, lenders will not pay more than 3% toward buyer's closing costs and prepaids. I am considering adding a note that states seller will not pay more than 3% toward buyer's closing costs and/or prepaids on the notes section of our short sale listings and the short sale checklist and addendum we already use. However, I don't want to do this prematurely. Have any of you found that the lender is willing to pay more based on a RECENT closed short sale? If so, who was the lender and how much did they contribute- 4%, 5%, 6%? It would be interesting to see what the experience of other agents has been. Any input based on your recent short sale closings would be appreciated.

If you're looking for an agent in the Gulf Coast area that knows how to price short sale properties, process them efficiently, and most importantly... close the transaction...give me a call. I sell more short sale properties than any other agent in the entire gulf coast area. I'm not bragging, I'm applying for a job. I want your business and/or referrals!

Brandon Watson of Team Sandy Blanton Realty, Inc. BWatson@TSBRealEstate.com or 850-525-3692. 10dayshortsales.com

Ray Wright
Keller Williams Realty - Riverside, CA
SoCal Realtor - A.L.C. - Company Trainer & Coach

I wouldn't put a set figure because you may limit yourself on getting more.  I'd just keep going on a case by case basis.  unfortunately, my previous short sales have been cash offers.  I hope agents comment, I'm interested in knowing this info as well.

Feb 15, 2010 03:00 PM
Jeffrey Smith
Author of 'Realtors Guide To Short Sale Success - Eustis, FL
Short Sale Education

Ray is wright. Don't limit yourself. I had a Wachovia deal where they raised our commission from 6 to 7% paid all closing costs and gave the seller $2,300! I  was in this and still couldn't believe it! I asked the LM why they were being so generous and they just said the offer came in so much higher than the BPO and what they had previously approved from some people that backed out waiting. The seller gave me the thanks that I didn't really earn and it made up for sometimes we are blamed and we didn't really earn that either.

Feb 16, 2010 12:17 AM
Satar Naghshineh
Satar - Amiri Property and Financial Services Corp. - Irvine, CA

I have had people ask for 6% closing cost. However, I can only get 3% (if any). I wouldn't limit myself either.

Feb 17, 2010 03:49 PM