Advice on Short Sale When Compared to Foreclosure

READER QUESTION

Does short sale affect your credit score the same as a foreclosure?

Read full question
Bills.com Resident Expert
Dec 12, 2011
BILL'S ANSWER

Editor’s note: See the Bills.com resource Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program for an updated discussion of deeds in lieu of foreclosure and short sales.

A short sale is a process in which the mortgage holder agrees to accept less than the balance owed on the mortgage at sale to prevent foreclosure. The lender would much rather see you sell the property than be forced to take the property through foreclosure, as foreclosure is a costly and time-consuming process.

A short sale will appear “Paid,” but there will be a note saying “account legally paid less than balance on account.” It will harm your credit score. It is not quite as bad as a foreclosure, but a short sale will harm a homeowner's credit score. It indicates that you took on a debt you did not honor.

I hope the information I have provided helps you Find. Learn. Save.

Best,

Bill

Bills.com

No Comments


Thanks for your feedback!

What Can I Save?

 
  • Deed In Lieu Of Foreclosure vs. Short Sale

    What are the pros and cons of accepting a deed in lieu of foreclosure in comparison to a short sale?

  • Voluntary Repossession

    What is the difference between a voluntary repossession and one where the vehicle is snatched by a repo man?

  • National City Mortgage

    National City Mortgage is one of the nation\'s largest financial holding companies. They offer a full line of mortgage products, including refinance, purchase loans, debt consolidation and all mortgage products.

  • 401K Hardship Withdrawal

    Are there any specific reasons one has to have for 401(k) withdrawal without penalty?

  • Freedom Debt Relief Information

    Is Freedom Debt Relief a good option for debt relief? Can you do a review of Freedom Debt Relief for me for my debt troubles?

  • Hardship based loans

    Need to apply for a personal loan due to financial hardship? Bills has advice on hardship loans to help you solve your money headaches.

  • 401K Cash Out Penalties

    I cashed out my 401(k) and they took 60% and told me the rest had to go back to the employer. This doesn't sound right to me.

  • No Cost Mortgage Refinancing Explained

    No Cost Mortgage Refinancing Tips and Advice So That You Can Get the Best Refinance Loan.

  • Important Mortgage Loan Terms

    Mortgage loan terms can quickly become confusing. Having a better understanding of the language and terminology involved with a mortgage loan will ease the entire process.

  • Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

    Wells Fargo Home Mortgage makes home-financing easy.

  • Buy a Home with an FHA loan

    Learn How An FHA-Insured Loan Can Benefit You, When You Are Looking to Buy a Home.

  • Bank of America Refinance

    Should I refinance my home with Bank of America?

  • Debt Consolidation

    Debt Consolidation and How to Consolidate Debt - Tips and Advice to Help You Make a Wise Decision.

  • Refinance My Home

    "Help Me Refinance My Home" -- What you need to know.

  • US Bank No Closing Cost Refinance

    Can I get a no closing cost refinance with US Bank if I'm a customer?

  • Debt Relief

    Debt Relief Options | Learn about and compare all debt relief options, including: Debt Consolidation, Credit Counseling, Debt Settlement and Debt Relief Consolidation Loans - Compare All of Your Debt Relief Options for free at Bills.com.

  • Fifth Third Bank Mortgage

    At Fifth Third, we work hard to be a successful, principled, involved financial institution that serves its customers and community. Since its beginning, Fifth Third has provided superior customer service and followed sound banking principles.

  • Washington Mutual

    Washington Mutual offers mortgage loans across the western United States. See how they are rated by Bills.com and by their own users.

  • Government Debt Relief

    What you need to know about Government Debt Relief and Grants.

  • US Bank Home Mortgage

    US Bank Mortgage is home of the Five Star Service Guarantee. See what Bills.com rated US Bank Mortgage, and add your own personal feedback and rating.

  • HSBC Mortgage

    HSBC Bank USA Inc. is one of the nation\'s 10 largest banks. HSBC Mortgage offers a full suite of mortgage and refinance loan products. Read what our users have said and how they rated HSBC Mortgage.

  • Bank of America Mortgage

    As one of the nation's mortgage leaders, Bank of America Mortgage maintains strong client relationships with responsiveness, innovation, and market knowledge. Bank of America offers a variety of loan products, including home purchase and refinance loans.

  • Debt to Income Ratio

    What is the maximum debt to income ratio one can have when getting a loan.

  • Credit Counseling

    Learn the Pros and Cons of Credit Counseling Services, and How to Make Credit Counseling Work For You.

  • Chase Mortgage

    Chase Mortgage is committed to building vibrant communities, preserving our environment and promoting an inclusive culture that benefits our shareholders, customers, employees, neighbors and future generations.

Thank you for subscribing!