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 31-40 of 239

2159  Spoleto Ln E North Charleston, SC 29418
$52,800 - 2159 Spoleto Ln E North Charleston, Sc 29418 @ Otranto Club Villas Iii
MLS#
BR1307132
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
This townhome is located centrally to shopping, restaurants, and medical facilities is two bedrooms and two full baths. Fenced in patio for privacy. Otranto Club Villas III is a complex of 60 condominiums. APPOINTMENT REQUIRED THROUGH LISTING OFFICE - 48 HOUR NOTICE - TENANTS RIGHTS.

9781  Peatwood Dr Ladson, SC 29456
$55,000 - 9781 Peatwood Dr Ladson, Sc 29456 @ Woodside Manor
MLS#
BR1310835
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
1 Full / 1 Half
Motivated Seller! Good location! Priced to sell!

5267  Highway 174 Adams Run, SC 29426
$55,000 - 5267 Highway 174 Adams Run, Sc 29426 @ Adams Run
MLS#
BR1300792
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
1 Full / N/A
Motivated Seller!!! This is a 4 bedroom 1 bath home located in the Mist of Adams Run. Owner recently replaced old flooring and updated the kitchen cabinets. Stainless steel appliances - Refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and gas range/cooktop stays. The backyard is large with storage shed and privacy fence with movable gate for driveway. On...

165  Catamont Dr Holly Hill, SC 29059
$59,500 - 165 Catamont Dr Holly Hill, Sc 29059 @ East Holly Ridge
MLS#
BR1306870
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
newer 3 bed 2 bath home. located just outside holly hill. home needs some tlc but is priced accordingly. this property is being sold as is where is with no repairs. all inspections are by the buyer.

104  Dahlia Cir Summerville, SC 29483
$59,900 - 104 Dahlia Cir Summerville, Sc 29483 @ Robynwyn
MLS#
BR1228055
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
1 Full / 1 Half
***UPDATED RIDICULOUS PRICING AND LET'S GET IT OFF THEIR BOOKS! *** BANK OWNED HOME AND SCREAMS OPPORTUNITY! This BRICK (3) bedroom, (1.5) bath home with over 1100 square feet listed at $74,900 is already priced below the average PPS for comparable properties but with that said, THIS SELLER IS STILL VERY MOTIVATED! Sitting in a cul-de-sac, th...

75  Chrysler Ln Walterboro, SC 29488
$59,900 - 75 Chrysler Ln Walterboro, Sc 29488 @ None
MLS#
BR1303352
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
Nice 1997 DW Home with attached 2 car garage, on 1.90 Acres, 3 Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms, Brick skirting. Seller put in FHA foundation for his loan. Newer carpeting and vinyl. Dishwasher is staying, but bring your stove & refrigerator. Just a little paint and make this home! Kitchen has nice cabinets,counter tops and an Peninsula Island Bar. M...

5207  Maybank Hwy Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487
$60,000 - 5207 Maybank Hwy Wadmalaw Island, Sc 29487 @ Wadmalaw Island
MLS#
BR1108153
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
1 Full / N/A
Lowest priced house on Wadmalaw Island! Handy man special in need of TLC. Great fenced in yard perfect for pets or large garden. Quiet area and great location.

119  Harold Dr Summerville, SC 29483
$62,000 - 119 Harold Dr Summerville, Sc 29483 @ Sangaree
MLS#
BR1312835
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
1 Full / N/A
Conveniently located and across from Elementary school and middle school. This ranch home offers an eat in kitchen, living room and separate utility room off the kitchen and large back yard. Home appears to need a few, minor cosmetic touches. This property is being sold "AS IS"

8640  Roanoke Dr Charleston, SC 29406
$62,900 - 8640 Roanoke Dr Charleston, Sc 29406 @ The Lakes
MLS#
BR1304644
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
** Bright End Unit Townhouse w/ Garage ** Lots of Greenspace/ Open Areas ** Master Bedroom has Sitting Area ** Master Bath w/ Skylights ** Privacy Fenced Courtyard ** Large Patio ** Nice Wood Floors ** Tile in Large Eat-in Area w/ Lots of Windows ** Special Financing Available **

104  Chinquapin Dr Summerville, SC 29485
$64,000 - 104 Chinquapin Dr Summerville, Sc 29485 @ Arbor Oaks
MLS#
BR1301055
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
Lovely townhouse minutes from downtown Summerville. Home features wood floors throughout living/dining room area and kitchen. Master suite features two closets and a ceiling fan. Garden tub, separate shower, and dual sinks in master bath. Relax on your screened porch or grill on your new deck, both overlooking wooded backyard. This home is mo...

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 31-40 of 239

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