Short Sale Definition and Example

Definition

A Short Sale is when the amount realized from the sale of a property is less (short) than the amount owed including outstanding liens, such as property taxes and homeowner association dues and closing costs.

Example

You sell your home for a sales price of $400,000.00, less than what is owed on the 1st mortgage ($450,000), and 2nd mortgage ($90,000), outstanding real estate taxes ($7,000), HOA dues and penalties ($1,500) and the closing costs associated with the sale ($23,000). These closing costs typically include escrow settlement, title insurance, demand processing, and natural hazard report.

The property is short $171,500 based on the sales price less the mortgages, taxes, HOA and closing costs.

The short sale process is similar to a regular home sale in that you are selling your home to a buyer who is purchasing your home with much of the typical sale processes being followed.

The main difference is that the lender(s) or lien holder(s) must approve the sale as it is for less than the amount owed. An experienced realtor can negotiate with the lender(s) or lien holder(s) on how much they are willing to accept, allowing the house to be sold, reducing losses and saving credit. If you have multiple mortgages, then more than one settlement may need to be negotiated.

Having a professional highly experienced in short sales to prepare the short sale package, collateral and mitigation, for the lender(s) and or lien holder(s) along with the ability to contact and negotiate directly with the banks is key to a successful short sale.