Connect with a Short Sale Certified ZipRealty Agent today

What to Expect (and Look Out For)

If you want to make an offer on a home that is a Short Sale, the good deal you’re likely getting comes along with a handful of complexities. We’ve put together some helpful information to help you as you work with your ZipRealty Agent on placing a bid, and hopefully purchasing, the Short Sale home of your dreams.

The Price is Right

When the bank agreed to allow the Short Sale, it hired appraisers to provide opinions on the fair market value of the home as-is. The listing price takes these opinions and comparable neighborhood sales into account, so chances are you’ll have little room to negotiate.

Because the bank will already be taking a loss on the sale of the home, it may be reluctant to agree to a credit for repairs. Remember that some Short Sale sellers often lack the resources to maintain full upkeep of the home. These properties typically need some TLC — ranging from new paint or landscaping to more significant repair issues involving roofing, plumbing, electrical, structural, etc.

The Bank has the Final Say

When the seller accepts your bid that’s only the first step toward buying your home — you’ll also need the bank to accept it.

• Until the contract is formally accepted by the bank, you should consider the seller’s acceptance as a simple indicator that your offer is under consideration.
• The seller can accept and submit more than one offer to purchase for the bank’s consideration.
• Your contract is not final until the bank decides that it is willing to proceed with it.

Contract Dates Can Change

Sometimes it takes awhile to hear from the bank, and the dates entered into your contract can (and likely will) be changed.

You should:

• Be prepared to be flexible about when you’ll actually go into contract, and when you may ultimately close and own your new home.
• Have the funds dedicated for your Earnest Money Deposit and Down Payment readily available and liquid so that once a bank tenders its approval, you’re able to meet your financial obligations under the contract in a timely fashion.

Heads Up!

Delays and Associated Problems

When purchasing a Short Sale, you should expect delays. In extreme cases it can take up to six months to get approval from the bank. As a potential Short Sale buyer, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

Heads Up!

Some banks won’t consider a Short Sale unless the seller and seller’s agent presents the Short Sale package along with a purchase contract from a legitimate buyer. If you are the buyer in this situation, be aware that the entire review process hasn’t begun yet. so you’re in for an especially long wait.

Foreclosure

If the seller of the home on which you’ve made an offer is in the foreclosure process there is always a risk that the home could go to a foreclosure sale before you’ve completed the Short Sale process. Some things to ask:

Heads Up!

Unless postponed or stayed by a specific request by you or your REALTOR, you may find the home you’re trying to purchase is sold to a buyer who is purchasing it at the foreclosure sale.

7 Key Questions to Ask

When you find a Short Sale property you’re interested in, here are 7 key questions you or your ZipRealty Agent should ask about the property’s status:

1. How many liens are on the property and what is the amount owed on each?
2. Has a Short Sale package been sent to the bank/s and have they approved the Short Sale?
3. Has the seller been served with a Notice of Default? How many months are they in default?
4. Has a date been set for the foreclosure sale?
5. Has the property been appraised by the bank and do you have the lender’s Broker Price Opinion (BPO)?
6. Has the bank previously accepted and rejected offers on this home? Are there currently any offers being reviewed by the bank?
7. Are the HOA (if any) dues current? How far behind are they? Who is responsible for bringing them current?

Based on the area you’re searching in, your ZipRealty Agent may have additional questions to add to this list. Additionally, please consult an attorney if you have any legal questions about buying a Short Sale property. ZipRealty Agents cannot provide legal advice.

Your REALTOR’s Role

What should you do to best work through the Short Sale process?

Given the complexities involved with the Short Sale process, you should work with a knowledgeable, experienced ZipRealty Agent who is Short Sale Certified and can guide you through every facet of the Short Sale procedure.

Your knowledgeable, Short Sale Certified ZipRealty Agent fully understands the complexities of the Short Sale Process and knows how to work through them on your behalf, including how to:

• Qualify sellers for Short Sales
• Negotiate with lenders
• Protect buyers
• Limit risk

Working with a Short Sale Certified ZipRealty Agent will give you the best opportunity to successfully purchase a Short Sale home with the least amount of hassle.

A Short Sale Certified ZipRealty Agent has completed one of the following courses:

SFR gives [Real Estate Professionals] a framework for understanding how to direct distressed sellers to finance, tax, and legal professionals, qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers and more

A Certified Distressed Property Expert is a real estate professional with specific understanding of the complex issues confronting the real estate industry, and the foreclosure avoidance options available to homeowners.

Five Star Short Sale Certification is a signal. that [ your Real Estate Professional] is prepared to walk both homeowners and lenders through the short sale process.