Navigating A Tampa Short Sale Acquisition May Require A Realtor

By Lance Mohr


Inexperienced home buyers may not realize the importance of a Realtor, when it comes to navigating the choppy waters of a short sale purchase. For those unfamiliar with short sales, these are arrangements where the seller's mortgage lender is willing to take less than what is owed on the mortgage, assuming certain terms are followed, within a given time. It's possible to purchase some great homes, (especially in Florida), using short sale agreements.

That's not to say it's an easy process, since there are delays and paperwork, just like on other home purchases. Buyers can get a great deal and sellers can sell their home and move on with their life, if a short sale purchase is completed before the home enters foreclosure proceedings. The ideal scenario is a quick closing and plenty of cooperation from all parties, but you can still encounter delays and "red tape", regardless. A Tampa Realtor is trained to facilitate the entire short sale purchase transaction.

In Tampa, real estate professionals have put together many short sale agreements, which mean fewer homes go through the foreclosure process. This helps to maintain property values in the Tampa area, which hasn't seen the drastic declines in home values that some areas have seen. As a home buyer, this means your investment won't start declining in value, minutes after you've signed the mortgage loan paperwork.

Sellers may be unable to take an offer under what's owed on the mortgage, unless they've negotiated short sale possibilities with the lender. Tampa Realtors help sellers negotiate terms acceptable to the lender. With a professional real estate mediator, "upside-down" home mortgages may have deficits forgiven and qualified homebuyers can get a good value on a Tampa home, with the lender's willingness and cooperation.

It isn't unusual to see short sale purchases, in the Florida housing market. Due to drastic declines in certain markets, "underwater" mortgage loans are more common. Quick price declines are primarily responsible for the popularity of short sale purchases. Proper handling of the transaction is crucial and depending on what phase the mortgage default is in, closing before foreclosure proceedings happen are mandatory. Homebuyers may put forth lots of effort, without reward, otherwise.

The Tampa MLS lists potential short sales, but some short sale arrangements can be disrupted, if the lender forecloses. Tampa foreclosures and bank-owned properties are handled by REO agencies, but they work with Tampa Realtors. Purchasing a specific home takes longer, once it's entered foreclosure. A Tampa Realtor can explain the pros and cons.

When facing the possibility of a short sale purchase, an expert in Tampa homes may be required to explain the obstacles you face. Timing is a key factor in purchasing your dream home using these more-complex arrangements. Tampa Realtors help facilitate the quick completion of a short sale purchase.




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