Short Sale 123...
Orange County Short Sale Assistance

Q. What is a Short Sale?
A.
A Short Sale is the sale of a home when sales proceeds are not sufficient to pay off the existing loan(s) but the lender(s) accepts a discounted payoff to fully satisfy the loan. A lender would usually rather negotiate a settlement today with a Short Sale than be forced to incur the expense of a foreclosure later. Consider this: the lender wants to limit their losses in the future just as badly as you do.
At the same time, the existing lender pays for all sales fees. This includes sales costs, commissions, escrow, title and any repair costs. The loan shows as “paid” with a zero balance on your credit and you avoid foreclosure.

Don't worry your not alone:
You must remember, we've all had our ups and downs in life and a lot of other good people are also in the same tough spot as you. Life seems scary when you're facing the reality of foreclosure and we know how you feel when you just don't want answer the phone any more.  Here in Orange County, many home owners have found themselves in a position where they are having trouble keeping up with their payments and the mortgage on their home is greater than the value of their home.  Unfortunately, many homeowners give up because they think there is nothing they can do to stop the Foreclosure of the home.  But there is something that can be done, a Short Sale.

Q. Why would a lender accept a Short Sale over foreclosure?
A. With an uncertain housing market, it is often in the financial interests of a lender to accept a negotiated settlement rather than incur the costs of a prolonged foreclosure process. And if a lender does repossess a property, they could continue to incur costs for months in order to maintain the property while they try and sell it. A short sale is a practical and cost saving alternative for all parties involved.
 
Q. Is a Short Sale right for me?
A. If you add up your total monthly expenses, including your mortgage, property tax payments, insurance, car payments, utilities and food and compare that to your take-home income, how much longer can you afford to keep up with your payments? If you have an adjustable rate, and the payment is going up, how long can you afford that? Is it worth prolonging your current financial situation?—especially if home values in your area continue to decline?
If you are faced with economic hardship, a Short Sale can be a financial life-saver. You may need to ask yourself, is it worth it to continue to fall deeper into debt, falling further and further behind with little hope of catching up?
 
Q. What is a financial hardship?
A.
A hardship is a situation that has a life changing effect for the borrower that results in an in-ability to pay the mortgage debt in either, short or long term. Some examples are:
  • Separation or Divorce
  • Medical Bills
  • Inability to work due to health reasons
  • Death of Spouse
  • Job Relocation
  • Reduced Income or Unemployment
  • Business Failure
Q. How much would it cost me to sell my home in a Short Sale?
A. Nothing! All fees and commissions are assumed by your lender—NOT YOU.
Your contract will specifically read: “Seller’s agreement to sell is subject to approval by existing lender of a Short Sale at no cost to Seller. Seller shall not be required to deposit funds to close escrow.”

Q. If I have two loans, can I still do a Short Sale?
A. Yes. Your agent will work with both lenders to negotiate a Short Sale transaction. Even if the value of your home is less than the value of the first loan, our experienced staff can normally get both lenders to cooperate.
 
Q. What about my credit? Won’t a Short Sale ruin my credit?
A. A short sale usually does not reflect poorly on a credit report. And it cannot begin to compare to the damage your credit will incur if you are ultimately forced into foreclosure. With a foreclosure, you can expect to be unable to obtain a mortgage for at least 7 years. With a short sale, you can expect to resume normal borrowing (for mortgages, car loans and credit cards) within a very short period of time. Remember, with a Short Sale, you walk away with your mortgage debt zeroed out. With a foreclosure, the collection stays on your credit indefinitely!
 
Q. My property needs a lot of repair work. Can I still do a Short Sale?
A. Yes. A lender is often less likely to want to repossess (foreclose on) a home that needs work—it would make it harder for them to sell it later. Lenders are not in the “home repair” business. They do not want the responsibility. A home in rough shape may serve as an incentive for a lender to do a Short Sale.
 
Q. Do I have to deal with the bank throughout the Short Sale process?
A
. As your agent, we take on the task of communicating and negotiating with your lender relieving you of that stress and burden.

Q. Will my short sale negatively affect my neighborhood home values?
A
. A successful Short Sale will result in a higher sales price and net proceeds available for your lender thereby supporting higher neighborhood values
 
Q. Can I simply deed my property to someone else and avoid foreclosure that way?
A. No. Be wary! If you fall behind on your mortgage payments you will quickly find yourself drowning in mail and phone calls from different people promising to “save” you. But deeding your property to someone else without first paying off the loan(s) is almost always a bad idea.  Even if you deed the property to someone else you are still responsible for the loan payments. If the loan payments are not made, it is your credit that is affected (regardless of who holds the deed). In other words, you lose control of the property and can still be foreclosed on. What ever you decide, do NOT deed your property to someone without first paying off the loan unless you have consulted with your OWN personal attorney.
 
Q. Can any agent do a short sale?
A. Not all agents can do a short sale and not all people qualify for our help. We are here for you if your situation meets the following criteria:
·         You have a valid hardship
·         You have little or no equity in your home
·         Your are unable (or soon will be unable) to pay your bills on time
·         You want to work with an expert
 
Q. How can I get started on a Short Sale?
A. Very easily. To be pre-qualified, just give us a call today or fill out the form below and we will review your situation and options. There is no charge and no obligation for this private consultation.
949-388-5194 
[email protected]