Short sales are a common dimension of real estate sales these days–AND often a headache for both realtor and buyer (and for that matter, the seller).  Paul Cathen at www.hangtenrealestate.com does a very nice job of describing the pitfalls and difficulties of short sales.  We’ve dealt with ones that were unsuccessful, and ones that turned out happily.  They are frustrating, and do take time.  My heart goes out to the seller who has to lose a property–no choice.  And, being “Upside Down”, as they say, they have a tough time presenting the place for quick sale by staging, repairs, etc.  One client has a renter who is less than cooperative, and is halfway through a major reconstruction in parts of the home.  My heart goes out to the client who has to let go of his/her home. 

     The good news is that lender seem to be much more accepting of short sales than they have been, and seem to see the wisdom of selling before foreclosure and making the process as painless as possible.  If you’re not in a desperate rush to move in, and if you can look past the unkempt property (and not all are unkempt), you could end up with a terrific home puchase!