Short Sale vs FourclosureReal Estate BlogsUpdated on May 16, 2012 View more like this | Visit UPPER MARLBORO, MD | Contact Exit Bennett Realty |
Thursday, May 10, 2012 — It’s likely you’ve heard the term “short sale” thrown around quite a bit. But what, exactly, is a short sale?
A short sale is when a bank agrees to accept less than the total amount owed on a mortgage to avoid having to foreclose on the property. This is not a new practice; banks have been doing short sales for years. Only recently, due to the current state of the housing market and economy, has this process become a part of the public consciousness.
To be eligible for a short sale you first have to qualify!
To qualify for a short sale:
Your house must be worth less than you owe on it.
You must be able to prove that you are the victim of a true financial hardship, such as a decrease in wages, job loss, or medical condition that has altered your ability to make the same income as when the loan was originated. Divorce, estate situations, etc… also qualify.
Now that you have a basic understanding of what a short sale is, there are some huge misconceptions when it comes to a short sale vs. a foreclosure. We take the most common myths surrounding both short sales and foreclosures and give a brief explanation. LET’S BUST SOME MYTHS!!
1.) If you let your home go to foreclosure you are done with the situation and you can walk away with a clean slate. The reality is that this couldn’t be any farther from the truth in most situations. You could end up with an IRS tax liability and still owing the bank money. Let me explain. Please keep in mind that if your property does go into foreclosure you may be liable for the difference of what is owed on the property versus what is sells for at auction, in the form of a deficiency balance! Please note this is state specific and in most states you will be liable for the shortfall, but in some states the bank may not always be able to pursue the debt. Check your state law as it varies widely from state to state.
Specializing in Prince Georges County MD Homes For Sale-I am an agent with Exit Bennett Realty which is one of the fastest growing real estate companies in Prince Georges County, MD. I specialize in first time home buyer programs and short sales. I am the local experts for Upper Marlboro MD homes for sale, Bowie MD homes for sale, Glenn Dale MD homes for sale, and all surrounding areas. Call me today at (301) 793-4689. “I make it happen”. I sell most homes in six weeks. Let me show you!
A short sale is when a bank agrees to accept less than the total amount owed on a mortgage to avoid having to foreclose on the property. This is not a new practice; banks have been doing short sales for years. Only recently, due to the current state of the housing market and economy, has this process become a part of the public consciousness.
To be eligible for a short sale you first have to qualify!
To qualify for a short sale:
Your house must be worth less than you owe on it.
You must be able to prove that you are the victim of a true financial hardship, such as a decrease in wages, job loss, or medical condition that has altered your ability to make the same income as when the loan was originated. Divorce, estate situations, etc… also qualify.
Now that you have a basic understanding of what a short sale is, there are some huge misconceptions when it comes to a short sale vs. a foreclosure. We take the most common myths surrounding both short sales and foreclosures and give a brief explanation. LET’S BUST SOME MYTHS!!
1.) If you let your home go to foreclosure you are done with the situation and you can walk away with a clean slate. The reality is that this couldn’t be any farther from the truth in most situations. You could end up with an IRS tax liability and still owing the bank money. Let me explain. Please keep in mind that if your property does go into foreclosure you may be liable for the difference of what is owed on the property versus what is sells for at auction, in the form of a deficiency balance! Please note this is state specific and in most states you will be liable for the shortfall, but in some states the bank may not always be able to pursue the debt. Check your state law as it varies widely from state to state.
Specializing in Prince Georges County MD Homes For Sale-I am an agent with Exit Bennett Realty which is one of the fastest growing real estate companies in Prince Georges County, MD. I specialize in first time home buyer programs and short sales. I am the local experts for Upper Marlboro MD homes for sale, Bowie MD homes for sale, Glenn Dale MD homes for sale, and all surrounding areas. Call me today at (301) 793-4689. “I make it happen”. I sell most homes in six weeks. Let me show you!
