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 222

2159  Spoleto Ln E North Charleston, SC 29418
$43,500 - 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.

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!

5114  Braddock Ave North Charleston, SC 29405
$134,900 - 5114 Braddock Ave North Charleston, Sc 29405 @ Park Circle
MLS#
BR1209554
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
This charming, home is in one of Charleston's most sought after areas - minutes to beautiful Park Circle, a large park with baseball fields, playgrounds and a weekly farmers market. Shops and restaurants are also close by. Home needs a little work but in 2006, the majority of this three bedroom, two bath house was completely redone, and it ha...

6832  Amberlake Dr North Charleston, SC 29418
$76,000 - 6832 Amberlake Dr North Charleston, Sc 29418 @ Amberwood
MLS#
BR1204940
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
3 Full / N/A
THIS SPLIT LEVEL HOME IS ON A CORNER LOT AND FEATURES NICE SPLIT LEVEL FLOOR PLAN WITH THE LIVING RM, EAT-IN KITCHEN, 3 BEDROOMS AND 2 FULL BATHS ON THE UPPER LEVEL. THERE IS ALSO A DECK LEADING OUT FROM THE DINING AREA, OVERLOOKING THE YARD WITH A VIEW TO THE ASHLEY RIVER. THE FAMILY RM, LAUNDRY, FULL BATH AND GARAGE ARE ON THE GROUND FLOOR....

1913  English St North Charleston, SC 29405
$34,900 - 1913 English St North Charleston, Sc 29405 @ Chicora Place
MLS#
BR1300701
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
1 Full / N/A
BANK OWNED! GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY PRESENTLY RENTED FOR $650 PER MONTH. This 1050 sf home has 3 bedroom, 1 bath. It's close to I-26 and minutes from downtown. This home has a huge backyard that is fenced-in. *****ATTENTION INVESTORS!!*** There are 19 total properties for sale that can be sold individually or as a package deal. Call or e...

1319  Addykay Place North Charleston, SC 29406
$142,000 - 1319 Addykay Place North Charleston, Sc 29406 @ Runnymeade Farm
MLS#
BR1225038
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
FORECLOSURE!! BANK OWNED!! Adorable low country style home! Open floor plan with beautiful hardwood floors throughout the family room, dining area, kitchen, hall, and powder room. Neutral ceramic tile in the laundry room and master bath. The family room features a gas fireplace and ceiling fan. 9 FT smooth ceilings and crown trim throughout. ...

1318  Addykay Place North Charleston, SC 29406
$130,000 - 1318 Addykay Place North Charleston, Sc 29406 @ Runnymeade Farm
MLS#
BR1225039
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
FORECLOSURE!! BANK OWNED!! Smooth ceilings throughout. The kitchen has stainless appliances, refrigerator, built-in microwave, stove, and dishwasher. Hardwood floors, ceramic tile, fireplace, crown molding, and rear deck. Runnymeade neighborhood is 1 mile from Interstate 526 convenient to everything including the Weapon Station, Boeing, hospi...

7877  Nummie Ct North Charleston, SC 29418
$65,000 - 7877 Nummie Ct North Charleston, Sc 29418 @ Fireside
MLS#
BR1225561
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
2
Baths:
1 Full / 1 Half
This charming townhome in a quiet neighborhood will be perfect for you and your family! This spacious home is a great opportunity for an investment property. Unit has a large open living room with a cozy fireplace and wetbar. The spacious kitchen has tons of cabinet and counter space. The convenient laundry room is located off of the kitchen....

2315  Falcon Rd North Charleston, SC 29406
$28,000 - 2315 Falcon Rd North Charleston, Sc 29406 @ Wildwood
MLS#
BR1313710
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
1 Full / N/A
BANK OWNED. GOOD FIXER UPPER WITH EXCELLENT RENTAL POTENTIAL

7792  Mcknight St North Charleston, SC 29418
$66,000 - 7792 Mcknight St North Charleston, Sc 29418 @ Forest Hills Ii
MLS#
BR1227437
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
PRICE REDUCED! THIS IS AN IMMACULATE THREE BEDROOM, TWO FULL BATHS BRICK FRONT TOWNHOME THAT HAS BEEN WELL-MAINTAINED AND IS MOVE-IN READY. HOME HAS DARK HARDWOOD FLOORS IN DINING/LIVING ROOM AREA WITH BRICK WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACE, CARPETING THROUGHOUT BEDROOMS, LARGE FENCED YARD AND ONE CAR GARAGE. HOME IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO SCHOOLS, AF...

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 222

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Hanahan 136

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

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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