Answers (8)

- Wendy Rich-Soto, "SP RE Girl"
- Contributions:24
Listing agents have a responsibility to list a home at market value based on comparable sales in the last 90-120 days. The bank will do their own independant appraisal and a broker's price opinion or BPO to determine value and the price they are willing to accept for the property.

- Pacita Dimacali
- Contributions:1298
Generally, short sales could be a very good deal or value for the buyer because these properties can be sold close to or even at market value. Just because it's a distressed sale doesn't mean they're giving it away.
Doing a short sale may be more beneficial to the property owner than if the property is foreclosed through strategic default, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or the owner files for bankrupcty. "Beneficial" in this case applies toshort sale having a less drastic and damaging effect on the seller's credit score.
If you're an agent, become well-versed and experienced in listing/sellling short sales because that wave will keep coming for a while. Look into being a CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) or visit Short Sale Superstars
If you're a buyer, it really depends on a lot of factors. If you're in a hurry to buy to meet a deadline, then don't count on short sales because they're anything but. The only things short with short sales are tempers (not unless the short sale lender is Wachovia who is the best in working with this type of sales). Be prepared to wati 3-6 months. The property owner doesn't make the final decision: the short sale lenders do. As such, even if the owner accepts your offer, it will be up to the short sale lenders to approve/accept/reject/counter the offer, the price, the terms and conditions. In short sales, there are NO GUARANTEES.
If you're a seller, and you're just starting out, here's a Short Sale: Primer for sellers. Setting the groundwork and expectations.
Good luck!

- Kelly Deth, "KellyDethRealtor"
- Contributions:4

- Tristan Celayeta, "Tristan Celayeta"
- Contributions:400
The best deals are often distressed sales, for obvious reasons. Bother is the usual cost for steal deals. Wasting time is what you do when efforts come to nothing, like a failed attack by a predator.
Work hand in glove with your agent to locate, explain and consider all best value opportunities. Distressed properties dominate the market so serious sellers not in trouble must price to compete.

- Alonzo Webb, "30 days sold"
- Contributions:76
If you are the buyer this is also a win-win. Its a great opportunity to purchase a property at discount. Presently I am working with a client whom is purchasing a property at short sale for $499k. It was purchased in 2005 for $680k and was listed 1 year ago at $850k. The neighborhood has seen a 25% decrease in value and the bank is considering the short sale. This property may not be successful but if it is the buyer gets a great property at a great price and the seller is not left holding the debt.
Also, I must emphasize that investors has deployed and used the short sale process for years before it became so widely known and accepted by the real estate community. Its a great process tool for a poerson with patience. I strongly believe in it.

- James Callas, "ABBAUSA"
- Contributions:1057
If you have a found a home, in an area that you like, and have the time (90days +/-) I believe it is worth pursuing. All REO and REO like property are a risk and a purchase is not a sure thing, but the gain can be worth the effort.
Secure a Realtor© with Short Sale Experience and go for it!
Good Luck!
James Callas - Realtor®

- Alexander Piana, "The Piana Team"
- Contributions:171
From a first time buyers perspective, I wouldnt waste your time with short sales. Usually there are standard sales or REOs in your market place that are a much more viable option. As an agent, I dont show short sales to first time buyers because there are so many factors involved that get in the way of that buyer actually getting that particular home.
From an investors perspective, with 25%+ down payment or all cash, I would look at this option. Typically you are not in a rush and can wait 2 months+ for a decision on a lien holder(s).
Currently I working about 8 short sales and have been working them for the last 3 years. The process for approval has been cut down over the years, yet a first time buyer today can get quite frustrated with the whole process and dont recommend it.

- Natalie Feldman, "nataliefeldman"
- Contributions:282




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