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 61-70 of 221

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.

241  Two Hitch Rd Goose Creek, SC 29445
$135,000 - 241 Two Hitch Rd Goose Creek, Sc 29445 @ Oak Creek
MLS#
BR1300592
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
Your charming new home is located in a quiet neighborhood conveniently located to Walmart, restaurants, dining, & more! The front porch is just waiting for your rocking chair. As you enter your spacious family room you will be greeted by low maintenance, easy to clean laminate flooring that spreads throughout most of the home, high ceilings, ...

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...

6017  Ridgecrest Ave Hanahan, SC 29410
$157,000 - 6017 Ridgecrest Ave Hanahan, Sc 29410 @ Belvedere Estates
MLS#
BR1302847
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
3 Full / N/A
This home is a traditional ranch with an addition. Three bedrooms and 2 full baths +one out by the pool). The original living room has been converted into a small media/sitting room and laundry room. The kitchen has no appliances. Breakfast bar and dining area opens to the addition of a large family room with brick fireplace and ceramic floor...

303  Andrea Ct Hanahan, SC 29410
$37,000 - 303 Andrea Ct Hanahan, Sc 29410 @ Otranto Station
MLS#
BR1302731
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
1 Full / 1 Half
Two-story condo in very convenient location. With a little work (carpeting, painting, etc.) would be a great place to live or excellent as investment property. Regime fee covers water, sewer, trash pickup, common area landscaping and grounds keeping, pool, outside building maintenance, and building hazard insurance. Located close to Northwood...

1105  Berkeley St Hanahan, SC 29410
$119,340 - 1105 Berkeley St Hanahan, Sc 29410 @ Charleston Farms
MLS#
BR1226122
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
OK.PRE-APPROVED SHORTSALE. Here it is- In the heart of Hanahan and so convienent! Recently updated, re-done, and renovated. How about all of this: spacious 14x23 amily room/ living combo with an 8' fireplace; extra-large masterbath with garden tub, separate shower, and tile. Bright and open eat-in kitchen lets you admire your large deck and f...

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

1180  Gilmore Ave Holly Hill, SC 29059
$119,000 - 1180 Gilmore Ave Holly Hill, Sc 29059 @ None
MLS#
BR1315664
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
1 Full / 1 Half
Nice home in great little town only 35 miles from Summerville. Neighborhood is within walking distance of Churches,Medical Offices and Restaurants. Great starter home or perfect for the couple that is nearing retirement.Great potential with a little loving care! Appliances to convey(dishwasher,ceramic top stove,side by side refrigerator and m...

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 61-70 of 221

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