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Are Short Sales really that simple?

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Solutions ( Brevard County)

 

Short Sales sure seem like a simple way for underwater homeowners to get rid of there over priced homes.

 But some Lenders are increasingly adding language to the approval package, reserving the right to pursue the deficiency later - that is, the difference between what you owed on the house and what it sold for.

Some homeowners, so anxious to get out of a pending foreclosure, skip right over that part of the letter. Some understand but opt to take their chances, betting they won't hear from the lender again.

For some lucky buyers, this has been the case - so far. They've sold their home as a short sale, moved on, and haven't had any problems. But other lenders require the seller to agree upfront to pay back a set amount 

Lenders don't always go after short sale homeowners. But in Florida, lenders can wait up to five years to file for a court judgment to make the borrower pay. After the judgment is granted, the lender has 20 years to collect the cash.

Some sellers might be surprized in years to come when the Bank comes knocking for repayment. So don't think your worries are over just because you did a short sale.

 

 

If you have any Real Estate Questions about Buying or Selling please call 

Cynthia White  Realtor  

EXIT ISLAND & BEACH REALTY  

321.652.1974 cell  

 Search the MLS in Brevard County http://cwhite.islandandbeachteam.com/

Steve Andrascik
Lake Mead Area Realty - Boulder City, NV

You are right, Cynthia in a short sale the lender has a long time to file a judgement against the borrower. BUT in a foreclosure, at least in Nevada, the lender only has 6 months. Go figure.

Boulder City Steve

Feb 23, 2010 06:55 AM
Barb Van Stensel
Chicago, IL

This is an excellent post and one that the consumer needs to be aware of in the states where this type of jurisdiction is in place! 

Short sales can be done successfully for the seller but when they use a professional team that are not hobbiests that are wannabes. 

Cynthia, my hat goes off to you!

 

Feb 23, 2010 06:56 AM
Cynthia White
RE/MAX Solutions ( Brevard County) - Palm Bay, FL

Steve and Barb - Thanks for the input. We as Realtor need to be the messengers

Feb 23, 2010 07:05 AM
Shanna Hall
Real Estate Solutions - Kirkwood, MO
I love selling houses!!!St. Louis, MO 314-703-1311

That is really interesting!  I wonder what the state of Missouri is doing in regards to those laws.  Where did you find this information?  I always tell my clients to talk to an accountant about what happens after a shortsale.

Feb 23, 2010 08:30 AM
Cynthia White
RE/MAX Solutions ( Brevard County) - Palm Bay, FL

Shanna,

It was in Florida Realtor newletter that I receive daily. It is send out by the Florida Association of Realtors.

Your advice to talk with an accountant is a great answer and is one I would use if a client ask me what to expect .

Feb 23, 2010 09:17 AM