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 236

107  Ewell Ct Summerville, SC 29483
$95,000 - 107 Ewell Ct Summerville, Sc 29483 @ Sangaree
MLS#
BR1312959
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
This is a short sale. This home is located a few houses from the culdesac on a terrific street with great neighbors who are very friendly. The owner hates to sell!!! Roof is made of architechural shingles. Ceramic tiled flooring throughout den and kitchen. Terrific large screened in porch. Gutters added by owner right after he purchased. Larg...

240  Scalybark Rd Summerville, SC 29485
$359,000 - 240 Scalybark Rd Summerville, Sc 29485 @ Walnut Farms
MLS#
BR1308442
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
LENDER OWNED-this property is bank owned and the construction has been completed and is move in ready. The first floor is a large floor plan with all your needed living area. there is a first floor master with a large master bath that has tile, garden tub and separate shower. There is large open family room with a fireplace, and vaulted ceili...

4007  Braemar Ct Summerville, SC 29483
$180,000 - 4007 Braemar Ct Summerville, Sc 29483 @ The Glen At Summerset
MLS#
BR1117726
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
APPROVED SHORT SALE AT $180,000. Must see this home! . Please bring your buyers and investors. Large 4 bed 2.5 bath. In nice condition.

331  Ayers Cir Summerville, SC 29485
$319,000 - 331 Ayers Cir Summerville, Sc 29485 @ Salisbury Acres
MLS#
BR1218388
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
5
Baths:
3 Full / N/A
BANK OWNED! Quality construction for $319,000!! CUSTOM BUILT with Mother-in-Law suite, GRANITE, JENN AIR STOVE, & HARDWOOD FLOORING! This 3,200 SF home is situated on a .49 acre lot and is only minutes from downtown Summerville. The home features 5 spacious bedrooms, a large finished room over the garage, and 3 full bathrooms. Grand entrace wi...

103  Swift Ct Summerville, SC 29485
$144,900 - 103 Swift Ct Summerville, Sc 29485 @ Oak Knoll
MLS#
BR1307776
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
** Large Brick Home w/ Inground Pool & Screened Porch w/ Lots of Potential ** Wood Floors & Real Wood Cabinets ** Formal Dining & Living Rooms Plus Eat-in Kitchen w/ Bay Window and Den w/ Brick Fireplace ** Special Renovation Financing Available **

110 South Bluebell Ave Summerville, SC 29483
$48,500 - 110 South Bluebell Ave Summerville, Sc 29483 @ Robynwyn
MLS#
BR1313189
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
1 Full / 1 Half
LARGE CORNER LOT WITH CHAIN LINK FENCED BACK YARD-ONE CAR GARAGE-PATIO-SECURITY SYSTEM-OUTSIDE SHED CONVEYS-THIS IS A SHORT SALE AND OWNER SAYS SELL---IF SIZE IS IMPORTANT MEASURE--

503  Sunnyside Way Summerville, SC 29485
$75,000 - 503 Sunnyside Way Summerville, Sc 29485 @ Paradise Lakes
MLS#
BR1301387
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
This spacious townhome has an open floor plan and is tucked away from busy roads but within walking distance to shopping, Sawmill bike/walking trail as well as short drive to downtown Summerville---not to mention in attendance area for some of the best of Dorchester Co. District 2 schools. Lovely screened porch overlooks fenced yard and pond....

106  Alyssa Ln Summerville, SC 29483
$74,910 - 106 Alyssa Ln Summerville, Sc 29483 @ Corey Gardens
MLS#
BR1305471
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
Make an offer! REO PROPERTY - BANK OWNED. PROPERTY SOLD "AS IS" WITHOUT REPAIR, WARRANTY OR SELLER DISCLOSURE. The Listing Broker and Seller assume no responsibility and make no guarantees, warranties or representations as to the availability or accuracy of the property information, photographs, or other information depicted or described herein.

361  Bertram Rd Summerville, SC 29485
$149,999 - 361 Bertram Rd Summerville, Sc 29485 @ Summerville On The Ashley
MLS#
BR1313039
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
This nicely updated four bedroom home is conveniently located to shopping, dining, North Charleston and more. As you enter you will be greeted gleaming hardwood floors, new ceiling fans and upgraded lighting. Your homes open floor plan is perfect for entertaining. Your spacious living room boasts high ceilings and a fireplace with beautiful w...

208  Congaree River Dr Summerville, SC 29485
$105,000 - 208 Congaree River Dr Summerville, Sc 29485 @ Lakes Of Summerville
MLS#
BR1224557
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
This is the Durham plan, 3 bedroom, 2.5 baths. Lovely 200 sf. Florida room to enjoy the view of the pond, the egrets, ducks and other wildlife. Master bedroom downstairs. Great closet space. Updated lighting fixtures. Everything is in good shape and waiting for the right buyer to customize to their tastes. Light, bright open floorplan downsta...

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 236

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