Looking to buy a short sale?
Are short sales good deals?
Occasionally. Most people hear the phrase "short sale" and automatically think of a seller that is in default and needing to sell their house promptly 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 isn't delinquent with their payments, but property values have fallen. In these cases the discounted price may in fact be in line with current market values instead of below.
How do I buy a short sale?
- Always do your research before making any offers. Using an experienced real estate agent from Target Cost Realty, LLC to assist you with researching a property can 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. Obtaining these facts can help you decide how much to offer.
Hire an agent with short sale knowledge. Target Cost Realty, LLC can aid you in expediting the transaction and make certain you're protected. Don't let inexperience delay the closing process. Let my experience and knowledge work in your favor.
- Even with an experienced real estate agent and under the best of situations, buying a short sale property will generally take longer than a typical real estate transaction. Know that many short sales will not close in 30 days or less. Remember that you're not only having to satisfy the seller, but the lender must also agree to the terms of the sale. In most cases your offer will be presented to a committee to approve, which will add time - sometimes even 2 to 3 months.
- Home warranties, buyer credits and allowances, and closing cost concessions are normally not negotiable when buying a short sale. The lender is selling the property just the way it is which means the lender won't be paying for repairs. Make sure to reserve the right to have inspections for pests, HVAC, electrical, and other critical areas. At Target Cost Realty, LLC, when I write an offer, I will be looking out for your interests first and will always recommend that you make your offer contingent upon the results of the inspections.