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

8676  Chatuge Ct North Charleston, SC 29406
$104,900 - 8676 Chatuge Ct North Charleston, Sc 29406 @ The Lakes
MLS#
BR1218391
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
Very cut home on quiet cul-de-sac lot. Tenant's lease expires 10-31-12. * THIS IS A SHORT SALE*

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.

9179  Spring Branch Ct North Charleston, SC 29406
$169,500 - 9179 Spring Branch Ct North Charleston, Sc 29406 @ The Elms
MLS#
BR1313222
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
Savannah floor plan with updated kitchen and separate dining room. There is a study/office. The master suite has a jacuzzi tub and there is a sunroom off the master suite. There is a large deck area off the side. Shows well!

3033  Penny Ln Charleston, SC 29455
$205,000 - 3033 Penny Ln Charleston, Sc 29455 @ The Bend At River Rd
MLS#
BR1214619
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
This is a short sale that will have to move pretty quickly. The home is in great condition and is easy to show. This is a great open floor plan with a large screen porch to the rear of the home that overlooks a tidal canal. The fenced in yard,mature landscaping, patio and outside shower is great for work and play. The wood floors and fireplac...

1209  River Rock Rd Hanahan, SC 29410
$107,000 - 1209 River Rock Rd Hanahan, Sc 29410 @ Tanner Plantation
MLS#
BR1224306
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
SHORT SALE - 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths. HARDWOOD floors through out and TILE is bathrooms. Open floor plan w/ GAS FIREPLACE in family room, separate dining area and eat-in kitchen w/ lots of cabinets. Master bedroom and bath with dual sinks, shower/tub and walk-in closet. Extras include separate laundry room, backyard w/ patio and storage room...

1484  Coopers Hawk Dr Hanahan, SC 29410
$173,500 - 1484 Coopers Hawk Dr Hanahan, Sc 29410 @ Tanner Plantation
MLS#
BR1202624
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
Fantastic Opportunity to purchase in sought after Ibis Glade section of Tanner Plantation! Lakefront 2 Story 3BR/2.5BA home in turn-key condition ready for its new owner! Located in the upscale IBIS GLADE section of Tanner Plantation, this home offers generous living spaces and spacious backyard overlooking the lake. Don't let the square foot...

7440  Painted Bunting Way Hanahan, SC 29410
$179,900 - 7440 Painted Bunting Way Hanahan, Sc 29410 @ Tanner Plantation
MLS#
BR1315872
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
Welcome Home to Tanner Plantation! This home sits on a beautiful pond lot, has a wonderful open floor plan and is located in one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Hanahan! As you pull into the driveway you will notice a well manicured lawn with a spacious front porch. Enter the home and you walk into a large foyer. There are 2 bedroom...

7478  Painted Bunting Way Hanahan, SC 29410
$179,000 - 7478 Painted Bunting Way Hanahan, Sc 29410 @ Tanner Plantation
MLS#
BR1315886
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A

202  Tall Pines Rd Ladson, SC 29456
$100,000 - 202 Tall Pines Rd Ladson, Sc 29456 @ Tall Pines
MLS#
BR1311378
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
LARGE 3BR/2.5BA HOME WITH LARGE FAMILY ROOM AND DINNING ROOM AS WELL AS EAT IN KITCHEN. TRIPLE-PANE WINDOWS IN MAIN HOUSE. PRIVACY FENCED YARD AND TRIPLE DRIVEWAY. ALL 3 BEDROOMS ARE HUGE AND HAVE WALK-IN-CLOSETS. THERE ARE CEILING FANS AND BLINDS THROUGHOUT.

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...

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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