Want to buy a short sale?
Are they good deals?
Occasionally. Often times people hear the phrase "short sale" and routinely think of a seller that is in default and needing to sell their house fast to avert further financial problems. This is sometimes the case and can be an opportunity for a buyer to make the most of another's misfortune. More commonly, a lender may consider a short sale even if the seller is current, but property values have declined. In cases such as these the reduced price may in fact be closer to actual market values rather than below.
How do I buy a short sale?
- Always do your homework before making any offers. Using a qualified REALTOR® from RE/MAX Performance to help you research a property will help you make informed decisions. We can help find out to whom the property is titled, the balance still owed to the lender, and whether or not a foreclosure notice has been filed. Locating this info can help you make a decision about how much to offer.
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Get a REALTOR® with short sale experience. RE/MAX Performance can help expedite the transaction and make certain you're protected. Don't let inexperience slow down the closing process. Let my experience and knowledge work for you.
- Even with an experienced real estate agent and under the best circumstances, buying a short sale property will usually take longer than a typical real estate transaction. Know that most short sales will not close in less than 30 days. Remember that you're not only getting approval from the seller, but the lender must also agree to the terms of the sale. It's not uncommon that your offer will be seen by a committee to approve or disapprove, which will add time - sometimes even 2 to 3 months.
- Home warranties, buyer credits and allowances, and closing cost concessions are normally non-negotiable when working with a short sale. The lender will be selling the property as seen which means the lender isn't going to pay for repairs. Be sure you reserve the right to perform inspections for pests, HVAC, electrical, and other critical areas. At RE/MAX Performance, when I write an offer, I'm looking out for your interests first and foremost and will always suggest that you make your offer contingent upon the outcome of the inspections.