Short Sales is it a way to prevent foreclosure and are they understood?

According to the article by Christine Laue in Omaha World Herald  "Omaha real estate professionals are seeing an increase in the number of short sales- transactions in which homeowners selll their houses for less than they owe on their mortgages as a way to prevent foreclosures." It is a very informative article but my question is how do I help a client who wants to sell and is willing to negotiate but there are no offers from a bonafied buyer?  Short sales are an option for some, but does not solve the problems for many sellers.