My Home's Value Dropped, and Now I Owe More Than It's Worth. What Are My Options?

It can be uncomfortable when you realize that you owe more on your home than it's worth. You may feel like you're in a hopeless situation, but rest assured, you have options. One route homeowners in this situation take is a short sale. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at a short sale, how it works, and why it might be a good option for you.

What Is a Short Sale?

A short sale is a real estate transaction where the property's proceeds fall short of the total debts owed, including mortgages, liens, and other encumbrances. In other words, the sale price is less than the amount owed on the property.

What's the Short Sale Process?

To complete a short sale, the homeowner must get approval from all creditors who have a lien on the property. This can include the mortgage company, home equity line lender, and any other creditor with a lien on the property, such as judgment liens and/or certain tax liens. Each creditor must agree to accept less than what they are owed, and the process can be complex and lengthy.

Benefits of a short sale:

  • Avoid foreclosure: A short sale can help you avoid foreclosure, which can have long-lasting negative impacts on your credit score and ability to obtain future credit.
  • Debt forgiveness: In some cases, the lender may forgive the remaining balance on your mortgage after the short sale, relieving you of any further obligation to repay the debt.
  • Move on from a Bad Investment: A short sale can help you move on from a bad investment without being saddled with a property worth less than what you owe.

Negotiating a Short Sale

The short sale process can be complicated and requires strategic negotiation with each creditor. It's essential to have an experienced attorney guide you through the process and protect your best interests.

If you're in a situation where you owe more on your home than it's worth, don't despair. A short sale may be an option for you. With the help of a lawyer, you can navigate the process and potentially avoid foreclosure while relieving yourself of the burden of a property worth less than what you owe.

To learn more about short sales and whether it's the right option, contact LaRese Law at (203) 774-3332 today to schedule a free consultation. We provide legal guidance in Southbury.