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 236

514  Woodward Blvd Summerville, SC 29483
$118,300 - 514 Woodward Blvd Summerville, Sc 29483 @ Corey Woods
MLS#
BR1224361
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
This is a Short Sale. really a big, private lot..plus the house offers great open floor plan and lots of living space. Subject sold strickly as-is subject to buyer's acceptance of insepction. What a terrific opportunity on the purchase. New roof shingles 2007. re-plumbed aprrox. July 2006 there is no stove and the refrigerator does not stay (...

208  Congaree River Dr Summerville, SC 29485
$105,000 - 208 Congaree River Dr Summerville, Sc 29485 @ Lakes Of Summerville
MLS#
BR1224557
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
This is the Durham plan, 3 bedroom, 2.5 baths. Lovely 200 sf. Florida room to enjoy the view of the pond, the egrets, ducks and other wildlife. Master bedroom downstairs. Great closet space. Updated lighting fixtures. Everything is in good shape and waiting for the right buyer to customize to their tastes. Light, bright open floorplan downsta...

9301  Sweetbay Ct Ladson, SC 29456
$150,000 - 9301 Sweetbay Ct Ladson, Sc 29456 @ Tranquil Hill Plantation
MLS#
BR1224660
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / 2 Half
Our short sale negotiator is in communication with the bank all we need is an offer to proceed! Conveniently located to shopping, dining, schools, and more this spectacular, low maintenance, town home is just waiting for you. Unlike many town homes, yours features a two car garage with additional storage capacity. Your first floor is a huge b...

17  Hobonny Ln Charleston, SC 29407
$245,000 - 17 Hobonny Ln Charleston, Sc 29407 @ Ashley Hall Plantation
MLS#
BR1224882
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
This is a rare occasion to own a beautiful home in the lovely neighborhood of Ashley Hall Plantation. This gorgeous home is situated on a Cul-De-Sac. Property is landscaped with lovely trees. You are greeted by a beautiful stone floor foyer upon entrance. Beautiful hardwood floors are in the living, family and formal dining room. Eat in kitch...

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...

5581  Hyde Park Rd Ravenel, SC 29470
$750,000 - 5581 Hyde Park Rd Ravenel, Sc 29470 @ None
MLS#
BR1224941
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
6
Baths:
5 Full / N/A
19.38 Acres Equestrian Training Center, Ravenel, Charleston Country, SC. The improvements include a 6,834 square foot 21 stall barn, a 1,089 square foot attached apartment, an 80 x 220 riding arena as well as a 2,473 square foot building which includes a 732 square foot garage as well as two apartments located on opposite ends of the building...

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...

1346  Addykay Place North Charleston, SC 29406
$159,000 - 1346 Addykay Place North Charleston, Sc 29406 @ Runnymeade Farm
MLS#
BR1225040
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
Charming Cottage! Situated at the end of the cul-de-sac. The home opens into the large family room that overlooks the kitchen and dining area. The kitchen features 42" oak cabinets, a large center island, and recessed lighting. The range, dishwasher, built in microwave and refrigerator convey with the house. 9 foot smooth ceilings, hardwood f...

1330  Addykay Place North Charleston, SC 29406
$137,000 - 1330 Addykay Place North Charleston, Sc 29406 @ Runnymeade Farm
MLS#
BR1225041
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
FORECLOSURE!! BANK OWNED!! Great floor plan with a generous family room that is open to the kitchen and dining area. 9 foot smooth ceilings, hardwood floors through out the first floor living area including living room, kitchen, dining area and powder room. The kitchen features 42" oak cabinets, stainless appliances including range, built in ...

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 236

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