Historically, the one thing that has not been short with short sales is the time necessary to close. I've heard horror stories of closings taking months and even years. But this week I think I may have made short sale history. On February 12, I listed a home in N. Chili. On March 14th, we received and accepted an offer. On March 18th, we submitted the offer to the bank for short sale approval. (For those that don't know what a short sale is, it is when the property is worth less than what is owed on it and therefore the bank must agree to a shortage.) On the 20th of March we received the bank's approval and we closed on April 30th.
Now, Guinness doesn't keep records on short sales closings and to the best of my knowledge, no one else does either. But I can't find anyone who has heard of a short sales closing this fast.
While it's fun to be a record holder, if even only in my imagination, I hope this record falls soon and often. Short sales are the result of financial hardship. When a homeowner goes through a short sale, they are are stressed and often feel like a failure. And when banks make it a long, drawn-out process it is pure agony for the seller and the buyer often loses their enthusiasm for their new home. It doesn't need to be this way and I hope my recent experience is an indication of what the future holds.
If you have any questions about Rochester real estate, don't hesitate to call or e-mail me. Mary Shelsby
