Frequently Asked Questions
Short Sales
1. What is a short sale?
A short sale* is a transaction in which the seller's lender agrees to accept a payoff of less than the balance due on the loan. In addition to absorbing any loss on the loan, the lender in most cases agrees to pay the costs of the sale.
2. How long does the average short sale take?
It can take anywhere from 28 days to six months once the lender receives a signed offer from both the buyer and seller. The process frequently moves slowly. Currently, many lenders are working to revamp their system to speed up the procedure.
3. If a short sale transaction can take up to six months, why do they call it a "short sale"?
Clearly an oxymoron! Or look at it this way: the value is "shorter" than the loan amount.
The truth is, a short sale has multiple phases that may affect the transaction time frame. Depending on market trends, price positioning, and other factors, it can take anywhere from seven to 180 days or more for a property to sell. Once the negotiations are complete, the short sale proposal is sent to the lender who will evaluate it from a financial perspective. In addition, the homeowner must establish eligibility for the short sale by providing supporting documentation such as, W-2 forms, bank statements, tax returns, and other financial documents. Understandably, this process takes time!
4. Why would a lender agree to a short sale?
There are various reasons why a lender may agree to a short sale. For example, Senate Bill 1137 (Effective July ‘08 & Revised September '08: http://tinyurl.com/Bill1137) imposes strict requirements on lenders prior to exercising their right to foreclose. Foreclosures take time, and as we all know, time is money.
The expense to the lender is another factor. Foreclosure costs may include: internal fees and expenses, eviction, repairs and maintenance of the property, security, as well as Home Owners Association (HOA) dues, and utilities. These factors, combined with the federal and state government's push to hault foreclosures, make it easy to see why a short sale may be in the lender's best interest.
5. Is a short sale an option if foreclosure has already taken place on my property?
No. Once the lender has completed the foreclosure process, a short sale is no longer an option. For that reason, it is vital that homeowners understand the importance of early communication with lender. Don't wait until it's too late. Speak to your lender, and let him or her know that you are having financial or other difficulties. If you want to retain ownership of your home, you may be able to work with your lender to explore alternatives to foreclosure.
6. I have a second mortgage on my home. Does this make me ineligible for a short sale?
In many cases, a short sale can be achieved on properties with multiple loans. Depending on the amount of the loss to the junior lien holder (second trust deed), a short sale may be possible under certain circumstances. Proposals and requests for short sale consideration should be submitted to both lenders at the onset.
7. Once I have an offer on my property, what happens next?
Your REALTOR® will assist you in negotiating the best price and terms. Once the negotiations are complete, the offer and all supporting documentation should be packaged and submitted to the lender's loss mitigation department. Follow-ups and ongoing communication are significant components of a successful short sale.
8. Will I have to pay capital gains taxes is I sell a property as a short sale?
A short sale has no bearing on the calculation of capital gains taxes. However, there are other tax liabilities that must be evaluated. See the advice of tax and legal advisors before agreeing to a short sale. For addition information, you may visit www.irs.org to learn more about taxation of short sales.
9. Will a short sale affect my credit?
Yes. Your tax advisor will be able to address your specific situation.
10. I would like to purchase a short sale property. Where do I start?
Choose a REALTOR® who has the ability to recognize a short sale property and who possesses the skill and training to work through any difficulties that may arise during the buying process. Be prepared for a bumpy road. If your REALTOR® is knowledgeable, he or she will help you manage your expectations.
11. When purchasing a short sale, do I have to pay all of the escrow fees?
The allocation of costs is a negotiable item in any real estate transaction. Typically, the buyer and seller each pay their own fees.
In short sales, lenders may request that certain fees be paid by the buyer, as a condition of sale. Some of these costs may include: funds owed to junior lien holders, closing costs, delinquent property taxes, and Home Owners Association Dues (HOA's). Expect the unexpected and work with a REALTOR® who understands short sales and can walk you through the process prior to preparing an offer to purchase.
12. How is Pederson Properties and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage simplifying and streamlining the short sale process?
Pederson Properties as well as Coldwell Banker have been working diligently on a multifaceted program to educate its managers and sales associates regarding the intricacies of the short sale. In response to the unprecedented challenges today's homeowners face, the company has developed a unique short sale package that allows our sales associated to deliver comprehensive proposals to lenders, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful and swift transaction.
13. How do I determine if I'm eligible for a short sale?
Homeowners must be aware of their options before considering a short sale. Other options include: loan modification/refinance, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure, and bankruptcy. There are many non-profit counselors available to advise homeowners on the advantages and disadvantages of each of these options. A complete list of counselors may be obtained at www.hud.gov.
* When the amount of the loan and other costs of the sale exceed the current market value of the property, there are a number of options struggling homeowners may consider, including loan modification, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure, bankruptcy and short sale. Any homeowner considering a short sale should consult with legal and tax advisors. A complete list of non-profit counselors is available at www.hug.gov. Please contact a Pederson Properties sales associate at 760.333.4777 or www.PedersonPropertiesInc.com if you have any questions or would like to request additional Information.
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