You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. It also has valuale tips whether you are buying, selling, or experiencing financial hardships. We want to give you helpful information before you take any action, or avoid action altogether. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!
Can anyone actually guarantee my short sale will get approved?
No. No agent, company, or consultant can guarantee that a lender will approve a short sale, since that decision belongs to the lender and sometimes an investor or insurer. A guarantee of approval is a sign the person making it either doesn't understand the process or isn't being honest.
Is it normal for someone to ask for money upfront to help with foreclosure?
No, and this is one of the clearest warning signs of a scam. Licensed Florida real estate brokers are paid at closing by the lender, not by the homeowner, and not before any work has been done.
Can I get the seller’s bank to pay for repairs after my inspection?
No. Short sale properties are sold as-is, and the lender will not negotiate repairs or issue credits regardless of what an inspection finds. A buyer can still walk away under an inspection contingency if serious issues turn up.
Why do I have to sign so much extra paperwork to buy a short sale?
Most lenders require buyers to sign short sale affidavits confirming there's no relationship between buyer and seller, no side agreements outside the contract, and no undisclosed cash changing hands. These are standard fraud-prevention documents.
Can I just call the seller’s bank myself if I’m buying their house?
No. Only the listing agent, working under a signed borrower authorization, is permitted to communicate with the seller's lender about the file. Buyers and buyer's agents who contact the lender directly aren't legally authorized to discuss it.
What should I know before buying a short sale house?
Buyers should expect a longer timeline, typically three to ten weeks for lender approval after a complete offer package is submitted, along with as-is condition and additional paperwork compared to a standard sale. The lender, not the seller, ultimately approves price and terms.
