A real estate short sale occurs when a lender agrees to accept less than the full amount due on the foreclosure property. Though it is a type of sale found in the real estate industry, not all lenders will accept short sales. If you are interested in selling your property by way of a short sale, there are a number of points that should be considered:
Seek legal advice from a knowledgeable real estate attorney.
Understand all short sale tax implications.
Seek the advice of a certified public accountant.

Homes fall into foreclosure for a number of reasons: long term illness and/or hospitalization, job loss, divorce, debt and other bill obligations. First time home buyers and real estate investors often look at the foreclosure sale as a great opportunity to find their new home.

One strategy for making that foreclosure sale is to negotiate directly with the seller before the foreclosure proceedings are final. Consider these points before deciding to approach a seller in distress:
In Florida, which uses mortgages, a home owner might end up staying in the property for close to a year before they need to vacate.
Most states provide a period of redemption where the seller has a time frame to cure the default to regain control of the property.
Most states also require buyers to give sellers certain disclosures when making equity purchases. Failure to provide this information can lead to fines, lawsuits or denial of the sale.
Make sure you are the kind of person who can take advantage of someone else’s misfortune including putting the sellers out on the street when deciding to buy a foreclosure.

Another way to buy a foreclosure is through a trustee’s sale. Many times buyers are not allowed to inspect the property before making an offer. The following factors usually apply to trustee sales:
No loan contingency.
Sealed bids.
Proof of financial qualifications is required.
A sizeable monetary deposit is required.
Properties are purchased as is.

Remember that if you think that your foreclosure sale property is going to look pristine with a perfectly manicured lawn and a new coat of paint, you’re not facing the reality that you, the new owner, will probably have to work very hard and invest your money into that property to make it look like your dream home should.
Written by Regina Rivard, Copyright 2008, All rights reserved.

To find out more about foreclosure sales come visit United Settlement Service Affiliates, Inc at http://ussa1.com today.