As the national mortgage crisis threatens millions of Americans, more people than ever are choosing to short-sale their homes rather than face foreclosure.
A short sale occurs when a lender agrees to allow a homeowner to sell the home for less than the mortgage owed on it. The lender either absorbs the difference or requires a borrower to pay it back in a lump sum judgment or payment plan.
This allows homeowners to walk away from their houses without going into foreclosure and seriously damaging their credit.
The average foreclosure cost lenders $40,000, and the last thing banks and lenders want is more houses to sell.
Ride Storm or Sell? For many, a short sale is now looking like the last best option. Though it still diminishes one's credit rating, the short sale is often vastly preferable to other options.
Prove inability to make payments
The first thing you need to do is prove to the lender that you can't make payments at the adjustable level. That will require some filing of paper work, some documentation showing that your income has gone down.
Find a willing buyer
The second thing is to find a buyer who is willing to buy the home at a discount rate. To do that you have to get a knowledgeable real estate agent or attorney involved, maybe someone who specializes in short sales. That's important because pricing is incredibly important in the search to find the right buyer.
Get lender to approve sale
Lastly, you need to get the lender to approve the sale once you do find a buyer. That's why it's important to work with the lender as much as possible. That's going to make it that much easier for you in the long run.
If you can't complete a short sale
If the homeowner isn't able to complete a short sale, the next option is either foreclosure or handing over the deed to the bank in lieu of foreclosure. Those options are worse for your credit than a short sale — that's why it's so important to get the pricing right. Work closely with an agent who specializes in this kind of thing and work closely with your lender so you'll know what to expect.
This does continue to be the best option out there if you can no longer afford your home. Our office specializes in helping home owners walk away responsibly.
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