Short Sales Spread Across Real Estate Market

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http://www.latimes.com/classified/realestate/news/la-fi-lew20-2009sep20,0,1828223.story
Chicago Tribune
Short sales spread across real estate market, leaving frustration in their wake
As more homeowners find themselves underwater -- owing more on their mortgage than their home is currently worth -- and unable to make the monthly mortgage payments, many are turning to short sales,which allow a homeowner to sell their home for less than owed on the mortgage. Short sales can be a win win situation for all parties, because they enable home buyers to purchase properties in desirable neighborhoods and at favorable prices.
KEEP THIS IN MIND
• Theoretically, short sales should be a win-win for the bank and the homeowner. Although the bank does not receive the full amount owed on the mortgage, it also does not incur the costs of foreclosure and/or eviction, if necessary. Many homeowners also prefer short sales because it is less damaging to their credit scores than a foreclosure. However, many real estate experts say that the majority of banks are reluctant to approve short sales, and often let properties go into
foreclosure, even when there are reasonable offers on the property. In addition to considering the price, most lenders also take into consideration whether the homeowner can demonstrate financialhardship. If the homeowner is capable of making payments, many lenders will try to work out a loan modification, rather than a short sale.
• Unlike foreclosed properties, which may be run-down and vacant for many months, short-sell properties are likely to be better maintained, as most owners may still live in the home.
• Short sales often are more time intensive than traditional transactions and often require additional paperwork. Due to the large number of offers on short sales, many take as long as a few months to receive approval. If information or required forms are missing or incomplete, the bank may set the offer aside, which could delay the process and cause the property to go into foreclosure. To expedite the process, sellers should work closely with their REALTOR® to provide all of the necessary paperwork.
• Working with a REALTOR® who has experience with short sales can help both sellers and home buyers during the transaction. A seasoned REALTOR® will be able to serve as the mediator between the seller and the lender, and lead to a successful transaction.
• It is important to remember that in a short sale, although the seller may be anxious about selling the property and willing to accept any offer, it is ultimately up to the lender to determine if, and at what price, the property can be sold. Home buyers should work closely with their REALTOR® to submit realistic offers.

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http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/chi-sun-short-sales-0920sep20,0,5529436.story

In Other News…
San Francisco Chronicle
U.S. home prices rise 0.3 percent in July
U.S. home prices rose slightly in July from a month earlier, according to a government index, further
evidence the housing market is stabilizing.
To read the full story, please click here:
www.sfgate.com

Short Sale Approval being Fast Tracked

Short sale approvals being fast tracked
A number of banks have revamped there short sale approval process, decreasing time needed to gain approval significantly. In fact some lenders have even begun to approach homeowners in errears and those in danger of falling into errears and are suggesting that they list their homes as short sales. In these situations lien holders pre-approve the sale at a price, reached in conjunction with a local real estate agent. No doubt many lenders are still stuck in the same rut and have not wrapped their heads around the problem they're having with non-performing loans. On average lenders lose up to 50% more on a property when they foreclosure on it than they would if they were to allow a short sale. Recently the government has launched an effort to streamline the processing of these transactions industry wide. A part of this initiative is cash payments to 2nd lien holders for cooperating in a short sale transaction, as well as a $1500 payment to the homeowner for relocation expenses.Foreclosures are still on the rise but between approved short sales and loan modifications, we may actually see a decrease in the number of foreclosures yet.

Many home buyers are advised to steer clear of short sales due to the headaches involved. Certainly many of these transactions can be a real nightmare. But each should be assessed on based on the number of lien holders involved, how many offers (if any) have been submitted to the lien holder(s) and how long offers have been in process with the lien holder(s).