Banks all require that you provide them with a certain set of documents in a Short Sale package. The following are the documents that most banks all require before they entertain a Short Sale
1.) A hardship letter from the homeowner outlining what is causing missed payments and what the homeowner has done to try to change the situation.
The letter should begin by identifying the property, including the loan number, and a formal apology for ending up in this situation.
The hardship letter should detail in great depth the circumstances that led to the homeowner becoming behind on their payments. Did they end up with very expensive medical bills? Were they fired or laid off from their job? Maybe they retired and experienced a substantial drop in their monthly income. They might have had an adjustable rate loan that increased their monthly payment dramatically. The home might be over-leveraged. Each one of these is a legitimate example of a hardship that should be explained in a detailed letter to the Lenders Loss Mitigation Department
The homeowner should also include an explanation of all of the steps they have taken to make good on their obligations. They might have taken a new job or greatly reduced their discretionary spending.
2.) Two most recent pay stubs for each job held by all members of the family contributing to the household income. This includes pensions, regular draws from an annuity, commission income over the past two or three months, child support, alimony, etc..
3). If the homeowner is a business owner, they should also send a balance sheet and a profit and loss statement to the Bank.
4.) The bank also needs the last two months’ banks statements to get an idea of what your spending habits are like. Homeowners with lots of credit card debt might be able to get a debt counselor to work with the Lenders in order to lower the payments of perhaps forgive some of the debts altogether.
5.) The last two years’ tax returns. They give an accurate picture of financial stability and ability to pay. It also gives the Lender an idea of other resources that might be tapped if the Lender goes through with foreclosure and files a deficiency judgment against the homeowner.
6.) Banks also require a realistic budget from the homeowner. If the budget is around $300 above or below even in an average month, the homeowner might be able to adjust their budget so that they keep their house
7.) A listing agreement with a price. The real estate agent should include their normal commission and closing costs on the listing agreement. Lenders who approve Short Sales also pay for the commissions and most other closing costs.
8.) An offer. Your offer, as well as the power of attorney gives you the power to negotiate the Short Sale and list the property. You cannot do these deals without having both of these documents.
9.) Power of Attorney. You must have an authorization form giving you or your negotiator permission to talk to the Lender. This is actually the first document that you should obtain from the homeowner so that you can obtain any special instructions from the Lender before the Short Sale package is submitted.
Just collect these documents and you are well on your way to getting a short sale done!
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