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.

Sort By: MLS# Price City Subdivision Beds Baths   Limit: 10 | 20 | 30 Per Page

showing 41-50 of 236

3604  Morse Ave Charleston, SC 29455
$139,900 - 3604 Morse Ave Charleston, Sc 29455 @ Shady Acres
MLS#
BR1304226
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
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 here...

112  Mary Ellen Dr Charleston, SC 29403
$549,000 - 112 Mary Ellen Dr Charleston, Sc 29403 @ Longborough
MLS#
BR1300447
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
3 Full / 1 Half
Open floor plan, lots of natural light, gleaming pine floors, all Jenn-Air stainless appliances, granite counter tops in the kitchen and in all three full bathrooms (pedestal sink in downstairs powder room). This house has dual master bedrooms. The first floor master opens to a generously sized screened porch, has double closets, and bathroom...

1464  Fort Lamar Rd Charleston, SC 29412
$339,900 - 1464 Fort Lamar Rd Charleston, Sc 29412 @ Fort Lamar
MLS#
BR1216393
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
3 Full / N/A
**NEW PRICE**This TIDAL CREEK/MARSHFRONT listing sizzling HOT just like the Charleston Summer Season! It truly offers so much that it's difficult to put into words, especially, with a limited amount of space! With that in mind, I guess we should start with the PRICING? This TURN-KEY, BANK OWNED HOME is PRICED EXTREMELY WELL but don't take my wor...

127  Island Park Dr Charleston, SC 29492
$499,000 - 127 Island Park Dr Charleston, Sc 29492 @ Daniel Island
MLS#
BR1313188
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
3 Full / 1 Half
*INVESTOR ALERT/HANDYMAN SPECIAL!! Home in need of work and being sold "AS IS"* -Located in prestigious Daniel Island Park, this elegant custom home overlooks the emerald fairways of the acclaimed Ralston Creek Course. -The large front porch opens into a beautiful foyer accented with wainscoting and with a soaring ceiling that opens up to the se...

830  Quail Dr Charleston, SC 29412
$149,900 - 830 Quail Dr Charleston, Sc 29412 @ Lawton Bluff
MLS#
BR1303686
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
1 Full / 1 Half
** Conveniently Located Brick Ranch Just Minutes to Downtown Charleston & Folly Beach w/ Lots of Potential ** Walk to James Island Rec Center, Shopping and Nice Family Restaurant ** Huge Workshop / Garage ** Hardwood Floors ** Screened Porch ** Special Renovation Financing Available **

121  Oak Turn Rd Charleston, SC 29412
$450,000 - 121 Oak Turn Rd Charleston, Sc 29412 @ Seaside Plantation
MLS#
BR1303233
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
3 Full / 1 Half
Remarkable raised two story home on the marsh in Seaside Estates! Beautiful views of the marsh from both the front and back! This like new Charleston Single home is exceptionally well built and boasts extensive landscaping. It features 9 foot smooth ceilings on both the first and second floors, and beautiful hardwood floors on the first floor...

3033  Penny Ln Charleston, SC 29455
$223,000 - 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...

73  Woodford St Charleston, SC 29492
$765,000 - 73 Woodford St Charleston, Sc 29492 @ Daniel Island
MLS#
BR1215738
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
5
Baths:
4 Full / 1 Half
Approved Short Sale Price $765,000! You?ll love this backyard Oasis! Lushly landscaped tropical setting with an in-ground PeppleTec swimming pool, water fountain, Jacuzzi, slate stone patio, step up grilling deck & outdoor fireplace? This exquisite home is nestled in the prestigious country club neighborhood of Daniel Island Park & located on a ...

4009  Alpheretta Ct Charleston, SC 29414
$299,000 - 4009 Alpheretta Ct Charleston, Sc 29414 @ Village Green
MLS#
BR1222167
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
3 Full / 1 Half
WELCOME HOME!! You've been looking for the perfect Charleston Home and THIS IS IT!! This exquisite one story, 4 bedroom, 3-1/2 bathroom home is nestled in the Sweetbay subsection of Village Green. This home includes everything you may desire from a 2-car garage, two master suites with spacious walk-in closets, sprawling eat-in kitchen with go...

307  Howle Ave Charleston, SC 29412
$239,000 - 307 Howle Ave Charleston, Sc 29412 @ Pecan Grove
MLS#
BR1021076
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
Conveniently located Lowcountry style home, close in on James Island, convenient to Johns Island/Folly Beach/Downtown/West Ashley, 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, 2 story, 2,680 square feet built in 2007, Short Sale Approved

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 41-50 of 236

Full MLS Access









Search Advanced Search Reset Search Jump to Area Search

Area Information

Find homes for sale and explore any area of Charleston by using the links below.

Search Active Homes for Sale Below

Hanahan 162

Buying a home from you was like buying from a family member. You were honest, straight-forward and I could tell you were really looking out for my best interests at every turn. Beth Epstein

Well your low key approach worked. Not only did you sell our house in this challenged market in 23 days, you found us a great new home and the transition was seamless! We are really happy in our new home. Brian and Wendy Rollings

You were very honest, direct and I knew you were genuine when you talked us out of buying a house because of the location. Thanks for everything!. Kirk Matenaer

I commend you particularly for politely putting up with my sometimes cantankerous, if not outright offensive, goading for results; I now realize I was in excellent hands all along, and I could not have asked for better or more courteous direction in the whole process. Dr. Adam Smolka

Your research and explanation of the entire process left us feeling confident in your abilities to follow through and get the deal done like it should be. Bill Chakos

Your experience, your calming demeanor and your ability to consult us in such a streamlined fashion was invaluable. Tonya Chakos

We sincerely believe Nat's competence, hard work, attention to detail, and most important his immediate action were the reasons our home sold in one day. We are now able to make plans to relocate. Victoria and Daniel Doyle