What is a Short Sale?

There have been a lot of questions about short sales, foreclosures, REO properties, pre-foreclosures, Repos and other such distressed sales in our Idaho Real Estatemarket.  Though foreclosures are more prevalent outside of Idaho, we do have our share. Lenders may entertain the idea of a short sale in this market, more than before, to avoid the costly foreclosure process.

While a short sale may be the last resort for many homeowners facing foreclosure, it also represents a great opportunity for potential home buyers and Idaho real estate investors. This article is designed to help answer a few basic questions about the substantial risk and reward involved in this extremely complex and often drawn out process for both buyers and sellers.  For more information on the short sale process, please contact me at Idaho Real Estate

What is a Short Sale?

A short sale is a legally-binding agreement to allow a home to be sold for less than the amount that is owed. And, while short sales are not by any means common or easy, because of increasing inventory levels and foreclosures in some parts of the country, lenders are much more eager to negotiate with borrowers who are having trouble paying their mortgages. For potential home buyers and real estate investors, a short sale also offers a great opportunity to purchase property at a significant discount.

Key Considerations to Keep in Mind

It's important to note that the difference between what is owed on a mortgage and the final amount the lender collects after the costs of the sale, including real estate commissions and possibly other charges don't simply disappear in a short sale. In the past, this deficiency or "canceled mortgage debt" was considered taxable income to the borrower. However, thanks to the Mortgage Forgiveness Act of 2007, the tax burden for canceled mortgage debt (as high as 35%) for primary residences only has been temporarily waived until the end of 2009.

Remember, the "pay-off" amount may be different than your "principle balance".

If there are multiple liens against the property, all lien holders will have to be involved in the negotiation process, not just the first lien holder. Therefore, communication and patience are essential components of any short sale. This is why an experienced real estate agent and mortgage professional become so valuable to this process.

As a seller, you must cooperate with the requirements of the lender and provide them information they request. Losing your home is certainly not a fun experience, but being patient during the short sale process will be worth avoiding foreclosure!

As a buyer, be patient!  You may wait several weeks before hearing back from the seller's lender and even then, it may not be good news.  Make sure your Idaho Realtor has the proper verbiage in the contract to protect your best interest as well as your earnest money.

Whenever searching for a list of short sale properties in the Boise real estate market, contact me & I will e-mail you a list of homes for sale in Boise or homes for sale in Nampa or surrounding areas

Call me. Let's discuss how we can market short sales and other foreclosure alternatives to potential buyers and sellers.