What are the advantages of a short sale?

How do I, as a homeowner, benefit from a short sale?

 

First and foremost, it relieves the stress of being in foreclosure and being hounded by the mortgage lender; and it allows your to get rid of your big mortgage payment and move on with your live. A short sale allows you to stop the foreclosure and get a fresh start. This is the primary benefit to you. A short sale also prevents additional damage to your credit. Having some late payments and a foreclosure filed has already done damage to your credit. However, a completed foreclosure will do much more damage and lower your credit score tremendously. A short sale results in the mortgage actually being paid off, which reflects positively compared to a foreclosure. Also, it is important to note that the short sale does not cost you any money. You can remove this burden for free.

Will a short sale “save my credit”?

 

The short answer is yes and no, a short sale can save you from the worst credit disasters. By defaulting on mortgage payments and/or having a foreclosure filed against your property, you have already done damage to your credit. Your credit score has declined and those negatives will stay on your credit report for some time. However, it will get much worse if you allow the foreclosure to continue and do not try to short sale the property. Once a foreclosed property is sold at auction, your credit score is further reduced and when the foreclosure is completed via eviction and repossession of the home, your credit will be even further damaged. If you can complete the short sale BEFORE either of these takes place, then you can prevent that further damage to your credit. In addition, when the short sale is completed, it shows up on your credit as a "Paid" mortgage and a cancelled foreclosure, which shows future creditors that you did take care of your obligations. A short sale can help avoid this, but the key is not to wait.