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 51-60 of 236

962  Nabors Dr Charleston, SC 29412
$172,500 - 962 Nabors Dr Charleston, Sc 29412 @ Lawton Bluff
MLS#
BR1309608
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
1 Full / 1 Half
Very charming brick ranch on beautifully landscaped & wooded lot. Backs to open wooded area for privacy. Home was completely renovated in 2006 including new HVAC & roof; kitchen and dining area have ceramic tile floors, & new French doors which open to wonderful deck & courtyard. Privacy fenced backyard has gorgeous custom wrought iron gate &...

9004  Cottageville Hwy Cottageville, SC 29488
$46,500 - 9004 Cottageville Hwy Cottageville, Sc 29488 @ None
MLS#
BR1301997
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
This would be a great starter home or investment property. This home offers 2 bedrooms with hardwood floors, and 2 full baths The living room is a nice size and also has hardwood floors. There is a room off of the kitchen that could be a 3rd bedroom or office space. The kitchen is spacious with a dining area. The exterior of the home is hardy...

971  Cedar Grove Dr Cross, SC 29436
$445,000 - 971 Cedar Grove Dr Cross, Sc 29436 @ Cross
MLS#
BR1025063
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
Situated on two large lots, this waterfront home is ideal for entertaining indoors and out. Lakeside revelry is a breeze with an in-ground pool, patio, decks, sun room, boat dock and many other outstanding features. Brazilian cherry floors throughout the main floor create a very warm atmosphere for this lovely home. The main entrance foyer op...

167  Felita Ct Cross, SC 29436
$349,900 - 167 Felita Ct Cross, Sc 29436 @ Eadytown East Of Bridge
MLS#
BR1224920
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
3 Full / 1 Half
This 3 bed 3.5 Bath home is a custom home in a custom location. this 1.46 acre home site overlooks the diversional canal between to upper and lower lakes. with unique views and a wonderful floor plan. this home is ready for its new family. this home has a 4 car garage and a down stairs play room for all your toys. this home is on a deeded lot...

422  Pelican Flight Drive Dewees Island, SC 29451
$695,000 - 422 Pelican Flight Drive Dewees Island, Sc 29451 @ Dewees Island
MLS#
BR1304490
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
4 Full / 1 Half
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION. WAS $795,000. NOW $695,000 Prime location with views over Lake Timicau to the Atlantic Ocean as well as over the lake to the Intracoastal. From the Widows Walk , unsurpassed wrap around views of the island are yours to enjoy. Guest suite with full bath connected to the house by a breezeway. Square footage includes the se...

10  Battery Park Edisto Beach, SC 29438
$569,000 - 10 Battery Park Edisto Beach, Sc 29438 @ Wyndham Ocean Ridge
MLS#
BR1304743
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
3 Full / 1 Half
Custom 4 bedroom, 3 bath, coastal home overlooking the #14 green and #15 tee box on the Plantation Golf Course with expansive views of lagoons on the golf course, Big Bay Creek and the marshes beyond. This custom home was built by one of Edisto?s Premier builders for his own residence! Spacious 2700 sq ft home features hardwoodOak floors through...

706  Hwy 174 Edisto Island, SC 29438
$324,900 - 706 Hwy 174 Edisto Island, Sc 29438 @ Edisto Island
MLS#
BR1313108
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
Island home with superb location! 4.78 acres just two miles to the beach! Bank owned home offers great potential with a little TLC. Open floor plan features: 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, hardwood flooring throughout (except tile in baths), corian counters in kitchen, 9' smooth ceilings throughout, vaulted ceilings in great room and ample windows...

292  Sea Cloud Cir Edisto Island, SC 29438
$139,000 - 292 Sea Cloud Cir Edisto Island, Sc 29438 @ Wyndham Ocean Ridge
MLS#
BR1227639
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
Lovely 2BR condo on Edisto Island. Spacious living area with a wood burning fireplace. Nice sized kitchen opens to the LR/DR combo. Balcony overlooks the 18th hole of the Plantation Course. Relax and enjoy the gorgeous Charleston weather on the screened porch! This is a great opportunity to live close to the beach and have resort amenities th...

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.

101 North Gateshead Xing Goose Creek, SC 29445
$199,000 - 101 North Gateshead Xing Goose Creek, Sc 29445 @ Crowfield Plantation
MLS#
BR1207589
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / 2 Half
This is the opportunity you have been waiting for.....3 bedrooms located on the greens in The Hamlets. The home features a formal living room and dining room along with a family room off the eat-in kitchen. The master bedroom has access to the screened porch and boasts a jetted tub and separate shower. The walk-in closet and large vanity are ...

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 51-60 of 236

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