Frequently Asked Questions

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 A short sale is when your home is sold for less than what you owe on the mortgage and the lender agrees to accept the sale as full or partial payment. It's often used as an alternative to foreclosure and can help protect your credit and financial future. 

 Foreclosure is a legal process where the bank takes ownership of your home, often through the courts. A short sale is a voluntary agreement where you stay in control of the sale, work with a real estate professional, and potentially avoid the long-term damage of foreclosure. 

 You may qualify for a short sale if you're facing:

• Job loss or reduced hours
• Hurricane damage or costly repair 
• Divorce or family hardship
• Medical expenses or illness
• Unexpected relocation or loss of income
  Even seasonal workers in Florida’s tourism-driven economy may qualify. I’ll help determine your eligibility during a confidential consultation.

 The process typically takes 60–90 days, depending on your lender and the buyer's financing. I’ll be there every step of the way to keep the process moving and minimize delays. 

 It depends on your lender and loan terms. Florida law allows for deficiency judgments, but I work hard to negotiate a full release of debt whenever possible. Many lenders are willing to waive the remaining balance, especially if hardship is well documented. 

 A short sale does impact your credit, but generally less severely than a foreclosure. Most homeowners recover faster and may qualify for a new mortgage in just 24 months—sometimes sooner with VA or FHA loans. 

 Yes. You remain in your home during the process, and you're in control of the sale timeline. I’ll help you plan the transition on your terms, with dignity and privacy. 

 In most cases, no. Lenders typically cover closing costs, commissions, and certain fees as part of the approved short sale. You won't need to bring money to the table unless your lender specifically requires it—and we’ll know that early in the process. 

 Yes, but it requires extra coordination. I’ve worked with many Florida homeowners who had multiple liens and successfully negotiated with second mortgage holders to release their interest in the property. 

 Possibly. Forgiven debt may be treated as income by the IRS, but there are exemptions, especially for primary residences. I recommend speaking with a tax professional. I can also refer you to one who understands short sale implications. 

 Short sales are complex and emotional. As a Florida-based CDPE, I have specialized training and nearly two decades of experience helping families avoid foreclosure with compassion and clarity. I’ll handle negotiations, paperwork, timelines, and lender communication, so you don’t have to.