Short Sale Help for Sellers


Although all lenders have varying requirements and may demand that a customer submit a wide array of documentation, the following steps will give you a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Call the Lender
You will need to speak to someone in the LOSS MITIGATION DEPARTMENT or LOAN WORK OUT DEPARTMENT

Submit Letter of Authorization
Lenders typically do not want to disclose any of your personal information without written authorization to do so. If you are working with a real estate agent, title company and/or attorney, the lender will be more cooperative if a letter is given to the lender with permission for them to talk with the specific interested parties about your loan.  The letter should include the following:

Preliminary Settlement Statement
This is an estimated closing statement that shows the sales price you expect to receive and the costs of sale, closing costs, state stamps, real estate commissions, any unpaid taxes or HOA dues, etc. Your title agent can prepare this for you.

Hardship Letter

Proof of Income and Assets
Lenders will want balances of savings and checking accounts, money market accounts, stocks or bonds, negotiable instruments, cash or other real estate or assets of tangible value.

Copies of Bank Statements
Typically Lenders require a 3-month review of all bank accounts.

Listing Agreement and MLS Printout Sheet
Your real estate agent can provide this to you.

Purchase Agreement (Sales Contract)
When you reach an agreement to sell, the lender will want a copy of the fully executed offer. The lender may renegotiate terms of contract, such as commissions, fees, and refuse to pay for items such as home warranties and home inspections, termite inspections and other items.


Each lender typically has their own documents and forms required for the short sale.  Contact any of our offices – We know what each individual lender requires.

We encourage you to consult an attorney and tax professional regarding the possibility of a deficiency judgment or possible tax obligations.  Some lenders pursue deficiency judgments after closings, and can issue you a 1099 based on the amount of the loan that was forgiven. It is important you understand all aspects of a short sale before moving forward.

Contact Tampa Bay Title to make sure your short sale proceeds as smoothly and stress-free as possible.