If a home is no longer worth the amount of its mortgage value, chances are that the local market has also seen the prices depreciate. Have a local real estate agent gather homes that are similar or lesser in square footage and amenities to get an understanding of the current value of your home. In addition, if the agent can show a trajectory of where the market has been the last 6 or 12 months to give an idea that the bank should “jump ahead” of the market before losing even more money.

The bank knowing that homes in the area are selling for less money is not good enough to be qualified for a short sale. The mortgagor will need to prove that they have suffered a change in their financial situation, such as loss of employment, loss of income, too many financial liabilities, etc.

A bank stands to lose more money in the event of a foreclosure and it’s in their best interest to sell the property at a loss while the mortgagor is still making their payments.

In order to back up and give proof that the financial hardship letter is true and accurate, the following will be required:

• Two (2) years of tax returns (including W2’s and 1099’s);
• Last two (2) months of pay stubs and income;
• Last two (2) months of bank statements; and
• A list of all expenses and liabilities.

When the financial package is complete it should be attached to the letter.

The seller of the home can choose to make this request at the time of signing a listing agreement or purchase agreement with a qualified buyer. In either case, the agreements will need to be attached.

If there is a real estate agent involved the seller will need to complete and sign, along with the real estate agent, the third (3rd) party authorization form. View the samples for the following financial institutions:

• Bank of America
• JP Morgan Chase
• Wells Fargo

Once the documents are sent to the bank, it will take from 10 to 45 days to review the documents. During this time, the seller should market their property in an effort to find the most qualified purchaser for the highest price.

Once a buyer has been found, the purchase agreement will be needed to be sent to the bank.

After the bank has been notified of the offer the bank will undergo its own approval and appraisal process that can take up to 120 days. This will involve the bank reviewing all documents, scheduling an appraisal, qualifying the buyer, assigning a negotiator, and finally approving or rejecting the terms of sale.

If a sale is approved, the financial obligations of the seller to the bank will be negotiated as a separate matter.