What is a short sale and how does it benefit you here in Buffalo?
If you’re thinking that question about yourself… great question!
If you’re a homeowner in Buffalo, NY facing financial hardship or struggling to keep up with mortgage payments, you may have come across the term “short sale.” While it’s often misunderstood, a short sale can be a powerful option that helps you avoid foreclosure and regain financial stability.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what a short sale is, how it works in Buffalo, and the key benefits (and drawbacks) you should consider before deciding if it’s the right move for you.
In this article we’ll dive into that question so you as a Buffalo NY home owner can tell what your options are during foreclosure or just if your home mortgage is underwater.
A short sale occurs when a homeowner sells their property for less than the remaining balance on their mortgage, and the lender agrees to accept the reduced payoff.
For example, if you owe $200,000 on your mortgage but your home is only worth $160,000 in the current Buffalo market, your lender may approve a short sale to recover part of the loan rather than risk a costly foreclosure.
This process requires lender approval because they are agreeing to take a loss on the loan.
What is a Short Sale and How Does it Benefit You?
A short sale can be a smart way to mitigate foreclosure (here’s a great definition of what a foreclosure is in case you’re not sure) on a mortgage, although they can be difficult to attain in today’s market, they often prove to be a simpler way to resolve any debt left over from a loan.
Short sales were really common in the market a couple years back when the flood of foreclosures hit the Buffalo market… but as foreclosures have slowed down and home values have climbed back up a bit… lenders are a little less likely to offer a short sale as an option as they used to be (but they are still doing a lot of them!).
The short sale process in Buffalo typically follows these steps:
1. Financial Hardship Is Established
You must demonstrate a legitimate hardship, such as:
- Job loss or reduced income
- Divorce or separation
- Medical expenses
- Unexpected financial burdens
Lenders won’t approve a short sale simply because your home value dropped—you need a valid reason you can no longer maintain payments.
Here are a few reasons you may want to consider short sale on your Buffalo home
You Avoid Foreclosure And The Harmful Effects Of It
The best benefit of short sale is that you avoid a foreclosure on your home. Your mortgage lender accepts less than what is owed on your mortgage, leaving you without the debt that you cannot afford.
Foreclosure can lead to all kinds of financial problems, starting with the inability to obtain a new loan for a home because a foreclosure stays on your credit record usually for up to 7 years.
Even renting will become more difficult as your credit score would be affected, and you often have to disclose a foreclosure on a rental application. Foreclosures can also last a long time (up to 7 years as mentioned above), making you wait years to even qualify for a new mortgage.
Credit Worries
With a foreclosure, you face all kinds of ramifications with your credit. Buying a car and renting a house may be impossible through the normal bank loan routes.
If you work with money at your job you could even face termination if your employer puts a lot of stock in that kind of thing (most employers won’t but it has been done before).
A short sale relieves the debt that is left over from what is owed on the mortgage, letting both the bank and the seller move on. A short sale is also easier on your credit score, which can allow a homeowner the ability to recover in the long run. Your credit report will only show a pre-foreclosure status, which reduces your credit rating minimally compared to a foreclosure.
Buying a New House
A foreclosure can last for a long time, making it impossible to purchase a mortgage again for up to 7 years.
Short sales offer a little more flexibility for the seller, allowing new home applications only 2 years after the filing depending on the bank. It also makes a mortgage lender more likely to approve your loan than if you had a full foreclosure, getting you back into a home faster.
Again, this all depends on the actual bank / lender you’re working with… so if they’re giving you a hard time a year or two after a short sale… shop around and find another bank to work with.
Usually No Fees Involved
One potential benefit of the short sale is there are usually no fees associated with the process from the bank. The banks just want to get the note off of their books… and if it can be proven that your house is “underwater” (you owe more than your house is worth)… and you’re at the risk of walking away from the house… the bank may rather work out a short sale instead of going through a costly foreclosure.
With a foreclosure, your mortgage lender may tack on extra fees that only make the damage worse.
Some real estate consultants may charge a fee for helping facilitate the foreclosure with your bank… so check with them before you enlist a real estate agent or firm in helping you with this.
Our company, Buffalo Brick & Mortar LLC may be able to guide you in the right direction on how to give yourself the best shot at a bank approving a short sale with your Buffalo area house… so connect with us by calling 716-403-2016 or shoot an email to us through our contact page here.
Getting a Short Sale – What You May Need To Provide
You will have to provide the bank with proof of being unable to pay your mortgage payments. This can be difficult and is best resolved by finding a good real estate attorney in your area that has experience dealing in this type of law.
If you don’t know who to contact or where to turn to see if a short sale may be a good option for you… get a hold of us.
We won’t charge a thing to discuss your situation with you and let you know your options.
And we can even give you guidance and pointers at absolutely no cost or obligation.
Sometimes we’re actually able to do the work for you or even buy the house from you to get you out from under that mortgage… so that may be a viable option for you.
We buy Buffalo houses and we work with home sellers like yourself who are having troubles getting out of your house the traditional way… or who can’t (or don’t want to) go the usual route of listing with an agent.
Get a hold of us anytime to discuss your situation. We’re here for you!
A short sale can be a valuable tool for Buffalo homeowners facing financial hardship. It provides a way to avoid foreclosure, minimize credit damage, and move forward with less financial burden.
However, it’s important to fully understand the process, timelines, and potential outcomes before making a decision.
If you’re unsure whether a short sale is right for you, consider speaking with a local real estate professional who understands the Buffalo market and can walk you through all your options.
The key is taking action early—waiting too long can limit your choices and lead to more difficult outcomes.
Or, if you want to see what we can offer on your house… click the link below and fill out the form on the next page. We’ll make a no-obligation cash offer to you within 24 hours. At least that way you know whether that is an option for you or not.