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 71-80 of 236

216  Mohican Cir Summerville, SC 29483
$125,000 - 216 Mohican Cir Summerville, Sc 29483 @ Indian Springs
MLS#
BR1225056
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
Our short sale negotiator is in communication with the bank all we need is an offer to proceed! Your new home will need some work getting up to par but it is located in peaceful Indian Springs Indian Springs just a short drive to Downtown Summerville, shopping, dining, I-26 and more! Your living room boasts a wood burning fireplace perfect to...

4127  Hickory Ln Ladson, SC 29456
$43,000 - 4127 Hickory Ln Ladson, Sc 29456 @ Avenue Of Oaks
MLS#
BR1225250
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
APPROVED SHORT SALE!! One Story, Ranch Style Duplex 3 Bedroom 2 Bath, Fireplace in Spacious Living Room with a Nice Size Back Yard. Great for an Investor or First-time Buyer. Rent in this Neighborhood Range from ($700-1150). This Property is being sold As-is / Where-Is. Short Sale done by Tomi Dinkins of Weeks Law Firm with all Docs submitted...

211  Miami St Ladson, SC 29456
$89,000 - 211 Miami St Ladson, Sc 29456 @ College Park
MLS#
BR1225365
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
All brick single story home on a large corner lot with mature trees and fenced back yard. Close to schools and shopping and easy access to I-26

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 a starter home or investment property. Enjoy the 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 o...

205  Ashford Cir Summerville, SC 29485
$169,000 - 205 Ashford Cir Summerville, Sc 29485 @ Summerville Crossing
MLS#
BR1225675
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
2 Full / 1 Half
Beautiful wood floor traditional with fenced yard backing to protected wetlands. Floor plan includes foyer, formal dining room, greatroom with woodburning fireplace, large informal dining off updated kitchen with large walkin pantry. All stainless steel appliances installed in the past year. Sliding doors open to patio area with water feature...

127  Brandywine Dr Summerville, SC 29485
$209,990 - 127 Brandywine Dr Summerville, Sc 29485 @ Ashborough East
MLS#
BR1225812
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
3 Full / N/A
Absolutely precious brick home in highly attractive Ashborough East. One story floorplan with open layout and full front porch. Bonus room with bath upstairs. Hardwoods through out the family room, kitchen, and formal dining area. Vaulted Ceiling and fireplace in the living area are great features in this lovely home. Located in award winning...

60  Fenwick Hall Allee Johns Island, SC 29455
$101,000 - 60 Fenwick Hall Allee Johns Island, Sc 29455 @ Twelve Oaks
MLS#
BR1225967
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
Twelve Oaks is a beautiful community nestled in some of the ancient moss draped oak trees on John's Island. This second floor unit is bright and cheery due to the natural light that floods in through the windows. The main living space is open allowing everyone to be included in all activities. The kitchen maximizes storage with its cabinet pa...

168  Foxborough Rd Goose Creek, SC 29445
$121,900 - 168 Foxborough Rd Goose Creek, Sc 29445 @ Foxborough
MLS#
BR1226008
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
4
Baths:
2 Full / N/A
Don't let your buyers miss the opportunity to own a very well kept home. This is a charming 4 bedroom 2 bath home that boasts formal living and dining room, family room with fire place as well as an eat in kitchen. Laminate wood floors have been installed in the kitchen, family room and hall way. Wall to wall carpet can be found in the formal...

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...

217  David Dr Ladson, SC 29456
$69,900 - 217 David Dr Ladson, Sc 29456 @ Fairlawn
MLS#
BR1226382
Class:
Residential
Status:
Active
Beds:
3
Baths:
1 Full / 1 Half
Bank owned home on corner lot in decent condition...DORCHESTER II SCHOOL DISTRICT!! One car garage, fenced in yard, close to Boeing, Air Force Base, I-26, Trident Hospital, Charleston Southern University, and more!!

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 71-80 of 236

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