Looking to purchase a short sale?

• Always do your research before making any offers. Using an experienced REALTOR^® from Benchmark Realty to assist you with researching a property will help you make educated decisions. We can help find out to whom the property is titled, how much is owed to the lender, and whether or not a foreclosure notice has been filed. Finding this data can help you make a decision about how much to offer.

• Get an agent with short sale expertise. The real estate agents at Benchmark Realty can assist you in expediting the transaction and make sure you're protected. Don't let inexperience impede the closing process. Let our experience and knowledge work for you.

• Even with an experienced real estate agent and under the best of situations, buying a short sale property will usually take longer than a typical real estate transaction. Be informed that most short sales will not close in 30 days or less. Remember that you're not only having to satisfy the seller, but the lender must also agree to the discounted price. A lot of the time your offer will be seen by a committee to approve which will add time - sometimes even 2 to 3 months.
• Home warranties, buyer credits and allowances, and closing cost concessions are typically not negotiable when dealing with a short sale. The lender will be selling the property "as is" which means the lender isn't going to pay for repairs. Be sure you reserve the right to have the property inspected for pests, HVAC, electrical, and other critical areas. At Benchmark Realty, when we write an offer, we will be looking out for your interests first and foremost and will always suggest that you make your offer contingent upon the inspection results.

When it's time to buy, whether it is a short sale or a typical home sale, Benchmark Realty can help. Utilize our experience and knowledge of real estate to make sure that you're getting a fair deal and are protected during the full matter.