How Long Can A Short Sale Take?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A short sale can take up to six months to be approved because many factors can slow the process down. You might be able to reduce the time it takes to be approved by asking your agent for some information before making an offer.

How long can a house stay in short sale?

A short sale may take up to 120 days , but this could be shorter or longer depending upon your specific situation. If you are unable to sell your home, you may be able to transfer the ownership of your property to the owner of your mortgage. This option is called a Mortgage Release or Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure).

Why is my short sale taking so long?

Short sales happen because the loan on the property is larger than the sale price minus all the sale expenses . With a short sale, the seller is asking the bank to take less than the amount owed. ... The seller’s bank must approve the sale, and this is where the big delays can happen.

Can a short sale close quickly?

Short sale- offered homes can sell quickly , though lenders may take some time to approve such sales. However, lenders often want to close quickly once they approve a buyer’s short sale offer.

How long does a short sale take 2020?

Based off of studies and experiences from the short sale processing company Universal Short Sales, the average time a short sale takes to close is 2-5 months . However, a short sale that is not professionally processed can take up to 6-12 months.

Do you still owe money after a short sale?

In California, you can only do so after a short sale , but remain liable for the debts after a foreclosure sale. ... Thus, deficiency judgments, or these debts you may still owe after your home was sold, can usually be discharged in bankruptcy.

Who pays the closing costs on a short sale?

These seller closing costs include things like property transfer fees, realtor commissions and attorney or title company fees. In a short sale transaction on the other hand, the seller’s closing costs are usually paid out of the money the buyer brings to the closing.

Why is a short sale bad?

If you’re a seller, a short sale is likely to damage your credit — but not as badly as a foreclosure. You’ll also walk away from your home without a penny from the deal, making it difficult for you to find another place to live. However, a short sale can forestall foreclosure and its negative impact on your credit.

What happens if bank does not accept short sale?

If the lender approves the offer, the short sale moves forward. If the lender does not accept the offer, the buyer may counteroffer or end the process .

Can a seller back out of a short sale?

Here are ways a seller can cancel a short sale contract: A seller may decide to cancel the listing, and the listing agent will agree . A foreclosure may take place, preventing the short sale. The seller may be able to accept a higher offer and cancel the first offer.

Who owns the house in a short sale?

A short sale is when a home owner sells his or her property for less than the amount owed on their mortgage. In other words, the seller is “short” the cash needed to fully repay the mortgage lender. Typically, the bank or lender agrees to a short sale in order to recoup a portion of the mortgage loan owed to them.

What are the risks of a short sale?

  • Long Process. ...
  • Subject to the Mortgage Lender’s Approval. ...
  • Lender Could Counter, Reject or Not Respond. ...
  • Opportunity Cost. ...
  • Property ‘As Is’ ...
  • Is the Seller Approved? ...
  • Lenders Prefer All Cash or Large Down Payments.

Who approves a short sale?

If the seller can show the bank that a short sale is a better option than a foreclosure, then the bank will approve it. That is typically how you get an approved short sale.

What happens if you can’t pay back a short sale?

If you’re liable to pay the deficiency after a short sale, you can file bankruptcy to eliminate the debt . If you qualify, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges the deficiency relieving you of the debt, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will usually require that you pay a portion of the total amount owed.

How does short sale affect your taxes?

Similar to a foreclosure, any debt that your mortgage lender cancels because of a short sale is taxable only if the terms of your mortgage hold you personally liable for the full amount of the loan . Regardless of the tax consequences, your lender will report the debt cancellation on a 1099-C form.

How long does short sale stay on credit?

Because short sales and foreclosures both fall under this umbrella category, most lenders won’t distinguish between the two, and both stay on your credit reports for seven years . Here’s how a short sale works: When you sell your house, all proceeds usually go to the lender.

Ahmed Ali
Author
Ahmed Ali
Ahmed Ali is a financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He has worked for major banks and investment firms, and has a wealth of knowledge on investing, real estate, and tax planning. Ahmed is also an advocate for financial literacy and education.