A short sale is when the seller's lender has agreed to get a reduced payment to release a mortgage. Should you have questions about real estate in Parrish, Florida, contact me here or e-mail me.

Can I get a good deal on a short sale?

• Always do your research before making any offers. Using an experienced real estate professional from Leslie Wells Realty, Inc to support your research of a property will help you make knowledgeable decisions. We can help reveal to whom the property is titled, the amount owed to the lender, and whether or not a foreclosure notice has been filed. Having this info can help you make a decision about how much to offer.

• Get a REALTOR^® with short sale expertise. The real estate agents at Leslie Wells Realty, Inc can aid you in expediting the transaction and make sure you're protected. Don't permit inexperience to impede the closing process. Put our knowledge and experience to work for you.

• Even in the best of situations and with an experienced real estate agent, buying a short sale property will probably take longer than a typical real estate transaction. Be aware that a majority of short sales will not close in 30 days or less. Remember that you're not only having to get approval from the seller, but the lender must also agree to the terms of the sale. A lot of the time your offer will go before a committee to approve or disapprove which will add time - sometimes even 2 to 3 months.
• Home protection warranties, buyer credits and allowances, and closing cost concessions are normally non-negotiable when buying a short sale. The lender will sell the property "as is" which means the lender will not be paying for repairs. Make sure you reserve the right to have inspections for pests, HVAC, electrical, and other critical areas. At Leslie Wells Realty, Inc, when we write an offer, we're looking out for your interests first and foremost and will always recommend that you make your offer contingent upon the results of the inspections.