5 Steps to Selling Your Charlotte Home as a Short Sale

Although selling your Charlotte home as a short sale probably isn’t what you’d prefer, it may be the best option for you.  The good news is that short sales are becoming the preferred option for lenders hampered by the huge number of foreclosures.

To get you started on your short sale journey, here’s the condensed version of how to sell your Charlotte home as a short sale:

1. Hire an experienced real estate professional:  Find a real estate attorney and/or agent who have successfully closed a lot of short sales.  Additionally, REALTORS® with various short sale designations have a thorough understanding of how to assist their clients in foreclosure avoidance options. Having experienced professionals guide you through the process is crucial to your success.  You want them working for you as soon as possible because they’ll be communicating and negotiating with your lender.  The banks require your home to be listed by a licensed real estate agent and your agent should also recommend a qualified real estate attorney or CPA to confirm your hardship and pursuance of the short sale process.
2. Start now:  As soon as you know you can no longer afford your home, hire your real estate professionals and get started.  The longer you wait to get the short sale process started, the harder it’s going to be.  Like everything in life, the more options you have the better off you are.  Don’t wait until foreclosure is your only option.
3. Prove to your lender that you truly have a financial hardship case:  If you just want to stop paying your mortgage, you won’t be able to sell your home as a short sale.  You must prove you honestly cannot afford your home by giving your lender a:
1. Detailed financial worksheet documenting your expenses and income.
2. Copy of your income tax returns for at least the last two years.
3. Hardship letter providing details about why you cannot pay your mortgage.
4. Submit Letter of Authorization:  Write a letter to your lender giving him permission to discuss your loan with your real estate professionals.  Include the names of all the borrowers and their social security numbers, your real estate professionals’ names and contact information, your home’s address and loan reference number.
5. Take the advice of your real estate professionals:  You hired them for their expertise.  Now, take their advice and allow the pros to guide you the rest of the way through this process.

Whether you have questions about short sales, foreclosures or traditional Charlotte home sales, I can help.  Please give me a call at (704)491-3310 or email me at Debe@DebeMaxwell.com.