What is a short sale?
A short sale is a transaction between you, a buyer, and your lender (the bank).
When you fall behind on mortgage payments, and your property’s value is lower than
the amount owed on the loan, a short sale is one process that can be used to stop
foreclosure. Through negotiations, the lender agrees to settle the loan for less
than what is actually owed, and the buyer purchases the home. This allows you to
avoid foreclosure, and begin rebuilding credit much more quickly than with a foreclosure.
How does a short sale work?
A short sale is made possible when a lender is willing to take less than what is
owed on the loan as payment in full in order to avoid the time, expense and hassle
of foreclosing. You’ll be required to submit information needed by the lender to
process a short sale. We will submit an all cash offer on your property and the
short sale negotiations can begin with the lender.
How long does a short sale take?
Short sales can take as little as 6‐8 weeks, but can also be prolonged over several
months. This depends on your lender, what type and how many loans you have, insurances
or investors involved, when you receive an offer for the home, and if the transaction
goes smoothly with the bank.
How much do your services cost?
Our services are available at no cost to you; our commissions are paid by the lender.
In some cases, lenders may require you to pay a settlement fee or sign a promissory
note to offset their loss. These fees are not related to the services offered by
Relogic, but may be required for the lender to accept the short sale.
Who qualifies for a short sale?
Anyone who can’t make their payments, and whose home is now worth less than what
is owed on the loan, is eligible to do a short sale of their home. The lender will
have to approve the short sale based on your financial situation, however.
Are there any tax related consequences involved with a short sale? Will I Receive
a Form 1099?
The Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Relief Act of 2007 states that you may have to pay
some taxes. In most cases, however, there will likely be no tax consequences with
a short sale. Prior to the 2007 legislation, it was possible to receive a Form 1099
after a short sale. The reason for this is because the amount of debt that was forgiven
(the amount of money owed “lost” by the bank) was considered taxable gross income
if the short sale was successful. In other words, if you bought your house for $300,000,
and $250,000 was agreed upon for the short sale, the remaining $50,000 would be
considered taxable income. Under The Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Relief Act of 2007,
the $50,000 is typically not taxable. If the property is not owner occupied (if
you aren’t living in the home), there may be tax consequences. The law doesn’t cover
homes that have been refinanced to take cash out of equity for other expenses, second
homes or vacation homes, or rentals. Relogic suggests that you contact your CPA
for more information regarding taxes and short sales.
Why will lenders do a short sale?
Lenders make money by loaning money. They are not normally in business to own real
estate. Foreclosure often costs the lender more money and time than a short sale.
The short sale process allows the lender to cut their losses by selling the house
now, and not taking back the property. Lenders cannot loan money for a property
if they own it. The short sale comes down to a financial decision for the lender.
Will the Short Sale Always Be Successful?
Unfortunately, short sales are not always successful. Lenders aren’t obligated to
agree to a short sale; therefore we cannot guarantee a successful short sale. However,
we have a great track record and every possible effort will be made to successfully
sell your house. And remember, there is absolutely no charge to you for our services.