Short Sales vs. Foreclosures

As a home buyer, it is important to know the difference between a short sale and a foreclosure.

During the boom time in real estate the answers were much different than today. At the peak of the market, the definition of a short sale was a property that sold the day it was listed. The term foreclosure was almost a foreign term because sellers were able to sell their homes if they were having trouble making their payments and quite frankly, there were not many.

So what exactly is a "Short Sale"?

A short sale is the process of a seller obtaining an offer on their property and then trying to convince the bank to accept less than what is due.  For example, a seller owes $250,000 on the house, but can only get $200,000. The bank has a lien on the property and this debt must be cleared in order for the house to be sold.

The difference between a short sale and a foreclosure.When considering looking at short sales or foreclosures, you must first understand that a short sale is a much more difficult property to obtain. The two are like apples and oranges when it comes to a buyer's experience.

What Makes a Foreclosure Different Than a Short Sale?

A foreclosure is a property that has already been taken over by the bank. The seller was unable to keep up with payments and simply had to relinquish the property back to the bank. Foreclosures are fairly straight-forward sales because the banks typically do not want to be "home owners"; they want to be "home loaners".

Your Time Is Valuable

When looking at a short sale property, keep in mind that you may not be able to buy it.

Ask yourself this question, "Can I put my plans on hold and wait 4 months (or even a year) for the bank to decide to accept a short sale?"

If the answer is no, then avoid short sales. If you are okay with waiting, then a short sale may prove to be a good choice if the price seems right.

Foreclosures are More Straight Forward

With bank owned homes, you can typically close quickly and the main factor to keep in mind is that many people look for foreclosures, so if you find one you like act quickly, and secondly, they are sold as-is. The sellers generally do not make repairs on the property.

We have included all of the areas short sales and foreclosures. If you need more specific explanation or would like to know what pitfalls to watch out for when pursuing these properties, feel free to let us know.

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showing 21-30 of 221

2447  Woodstock Ave North Charleston, SC 29406
$50,000 - 2447 Woodstock Ave North Charleston, Sc 29406 @ Northwoods Villas
MLS#
BR1303682
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
1 Full / 1 Half
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION This is a great opportunity for a home buyer or investor. Check out the competition and see why this home offers such great value. As you enter the front foyer this opens into the family room with wet bar and feature fireplace. This leads into the generously appointed dining room overlooking the spacious kitchen. ...

711  Temple Rd Ladson, SC 29456
$49,000 - 711 Temple Rd Ladson, Sc 29456 @ Crowfield Village
MLS#
BR1300899
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
Hurry for this one! All low price condo or townhome gone quickly. This 2 BR 2BA duplex won't last long. Brick exterior built in 1986 need a little tlc. This is a short sale. There is a fireplace in the living room. Very open floor plan. Has huge back yard and faceing wood. Great rental and convenient location. House selling as is and subject ...

116  Farm Rd Goose Creek, SC 29445
$40,000 - 116 Farm Rd Goose Creek, Sc 29445 @ Pineview Acres
MLS#
1302844
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
1 Full / N/A
Great little house for investment or as a starter home. Year built is estimated. Buyer to verify.

104  Lake Jogassee Summerville, SC 29485
$90,000 - 104 Lake Jogassee Summerville, Sc 29485 @ Lakes Of Summerville
MLS#
BR1313926
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
BANK OWNED! Priced To Sell! Lovely home on the pond. Great floor plan in this spacious townhouse in the Lakes of Summerville. This home has dual master bedrooms with large walk-in closets. Living room and dining room combination. Separate eat-in kitchen with ceramic tile. The sunroom off the kitchen is a great place to relax and enjoy the vie...

5725  Dewsbury Ln North Charleston, SC 29418
$50,000 - 5725 Dewsbury Ln North Charleston, Sc 29418 @ Collins Park Villas
MLS#
BR1202169
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
VALUE, VALUE, VALUE. Check out the competition and see why this home offers such great value. As you access the property the functionality of the floor plan is most compelling. The generous family room opens into a spacious dining room which leads into the kitchen area served by a breakfast bar. The kitchen offers plenty of counter space and ...

1505  Basildon Rd Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
$160,000 - 1505 Basildon Rd Mount Pleasant, Sc 29464 @ Park West
MLS#
BR1312449
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
This first floor condo is in great condition with only 1 owner. Kitchen has stainless steel appliances and hardwood flooring throughout kitchen and living area. Tile in the bathrooms and laundry room. Thick baseboards and crown molding abound. Two entrances, one off of screen porch that leads to walking path. This 2 bedroom 2 bath unit has be...

303  Andrea Ct Hanahan, SC 29410
$37,000 - 303 Andrea Ct Hanahan, Sc 29410 @ Otranto Station
MLS#
BR1302731
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
1 Full / 1 Half
Two-story condo in very convenient location. With a little work (carpeting, painting, etc.) would be a great place to live or excellent as investment property. Regime fee covers water, sewer, trash pickup, common area landscaping and grounds keeping, pool, outside building maintenance, and building hazard insurance. Located close to Northwood...

2349  Tall Sail Dr Charleston, SC 29414
$99,500 - 2349 Tall Sail Dr Charleston, Sc 29414 @ Seagate
MLS#
BR1227656
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
Downstair unit in Poolside Building in waterfront community. 9 foot ceilings adds lot of volume and space. Gas fireplace with marble surround. Open airy floorplan with nice views of the Ashley River. Good location for MUSC students, empty nesters, or anyone looking for a quiet place close to Charleston.

2013  Dalton St North Charleston, SC 29406
$39,900 - 2013 Dalton St North Charleston, Sc 29406 @ Ferndale
MLS#
BR1026289
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
1 Full / N/A

5150  Trump St North Charleston, SC 29420
$129,900 - 5150 Trump St North Charleston, Sc 29420 @ Charleston Park
MLS#
BR1311499
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
Fabulous condo in highly popular Charleston Park. This bright and open floor plan features: wood flooring on 1st level; 9 ft. smooth ceilings; large eat in kitchen with massive amount of cabinet and counter space; family room overlooking private back yard with patio for entertaining. Charleston Park is conveniently located within minutes of: ...

Broker Reciprocity The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker ReciprocitySM Program of the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Carolina One Real Estate are marked with the Broker ReciprocitySM logo or the Broker ReciprocitySM thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers.

The broker providing these data believes them to be correct, but advises interested parties to confirm them before relying on them in a purchase decision.

Copyright 2013 Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.

showing 21-30 of 221

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