Owning a home can feel empowering. It can provide security, stability, and financial benefits. Sometimes, however, homeowners face significant challenges that make it a less profitable experience. Career changes, finances, the strength of the economy, and the terms of your mortgage can turn home ownership into an economic hardship.
In such cases, a homeowner may choose to use an option called a short sale. A short sale is a type of solution for real estate owners who are experiencing financial distress, though it has significant advantages and drawbacks. This article will discuss what a short sale is, the pros and cons of short selling, and how to contact an experienced Illinois real estate attorney for more details.
A short sale is when a homeowner sells real estate for less than what he or she owes on the mortgage. It is sometimes done to avoid foreclosure of the property by the bank. The homeowner uses the money from the short sale to cover some or most of the outstanding debt. For example: suppose you owe $650,000 on a mortgage and you sell the house for $550,000. Your outstanding debt, referred to as a deficiency, would be $100,000.
In some cases, the bank may forgive the remaining debt. Other times, the bank will demand the owner pay off the rest of the mortgage.
A short sale is conducted with the approval of the bank. The homeowner typically must show proof of financial distress to obtain that approval.
There are several advantages to short-selling a property:
Short sales also come with several disadvantages:
A short sale can be a good solution for homeowners who want to get rid of some or all of their mortgage debt quickly. However, it is often a long and complex process that is best facilitated by a DuPage County, IL real estate lawyer. At NN Legal Group, we are ready to provide you with excellent and unparalleled legal services for all your real estate needs. Schedule a free consultation with an English-speaking or Spanish-speaking attorney by calling [[phone] today.