How to Stage a Short Sale 101

When you are ready to put your home on the market, you start getting worked up about how long it will be listed for. You worry about staging and setting the price right.

There are so many tricks of the trade when it comes to setting your home sale up for success when it is listed.

One trick that is often overlooked and is cheap and fast is to depersonalize your space!

How to depersonalize in 3 easy steps:

1. Remove all personal photos

You can replace the photos with modern and neutral decor. Sometimes even an empty wall is better than a wall covered in your family portraits.

2. Neutral Paint

You may LOVE your sky painted ceiling complete with clouds and angels, or your barn red kitchen but your home will appeal to a larger range of buyers when it is neutral! Soft blues and greens are safer but even better are the tans, creams and grays that are very popular right now.

3. Remove taste specific decor

Your husband may enjoy collecting rock fossils from around the country, but your potential buyers may get distracted by this collection. Any type of collectables, or specific decor like the 60’s beads you have hanging in the door ways needs to be stored for your move!

These simple steps can really help your home appeal to a much larger range of buyers, even as a short sale! They want to see the home not be distracted by the owner’s lifestyle and decor.

If you are in a possible short sale situation and want to get more information about the process, please call us. We would like to help you understand what you need to know about a short sale and if you qualify! We have successfully sold over 350 short sales! Yours may be next!

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572

Woodbridge Single Family Short Sale Under Contract

11970 HOME GUARD DR, WOODBRIDGE, VA 22192

Beautiful updated home w/wrap around porch nestled on lovely, private cul-de-sac lot! Hardwoods on main, 2 story LR w/cozy wood burning stove, renovated gourmet kitchen w/upgraded cabinetry, granite, SS appliances. Main level BR & full BA, MBR w/CA closet, all updated baths w/custom tile! Walk out LL w/huge rec rm, wet bar, wine fridge, den/4th BR. Deck, gorgeous landscaping, winter water views!

There is almost always an audible sigh of relief from our short sale clients when they get a contract on their home. Even though the process still continues because in many cases, we have to go to the bank to negotiate with them to accept that offer. There is still such great relief that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for this frustrating financial situation.

Being underwater on your home can feel like such a burden. If you owe more on your home than it is worth and you live in the Northern Virginia, DC metro area, please give our team a call. We would love to talk you through the process and see if you qualify for a short sale. We have successfully sold over 350 short sales and would love to make yours a success story too!

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572

Acceptable Hardships to Qualify for a Short Sale

What do Banks Accept as a Hardship to Qualify for a Short Sale?

Each mortgage company may have different definitions of hardships they will except. In the short sale process, the hardship letter is crucial to getting your short sale approved. Your short sale agent can better advise you with tips for your specific lender. The stronger your hardship letter is, the more likely your short sale will be approved. Hardship letters are usually processed by the Loss Mitigation Department.

The following is a list of hardships that are commonly accepted by mortgage companies on behalf of short sale sellers.

–Personal or family illness or injury– sometimes these hardships could even force a relocation which can prove further need for the short sale.

– Job relocation

– Job loss

-Significant loss of income

-Loss of house hold income which could be a result from a divorce or partner split. Divorce can be considered as a hardship in and of itself.

–Change in mortgage payments– most likely coming from an ARM or Adjustable Rate Mortgage.

– An increase in living expenses. This could be convincing, especially if it is an unforeseen increase.

You will never know if your hardship will be accepted by a bank unless you try. The worst that could happen is that they would deny your short sale and you would be in the same situation you are already in. We encourage our clients to submit the paperwork to get the ball rolling. There may be some other options worth looking into as a plan B at the same time as your case is being reviewed by your bank.

If you live in the Northern Virginia area and have questions about the short sale process or if your hardship will qualify, please give our team a call. We would love to help you look into all your options during this difficult time. And we would love to help your family move on to a better situation. 

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572

Warrenton VA Single Family Short Sale Under Contract!

21123 Ashburn Heights Drive, Ashburn, VA 20148

Under Contract in 33 Days!

Enjoy gorgeous views and sunsets from every room in this lovely 4 BR, 2.full bath brick home! Attached garage + detached 2 car garage with water & workshop! Formal LR w/cozy FP & DR opens to updated white kitchen w/new SS appliances. Fantastic family room w/wall of windows, 4 skylights & wood burning stove! Loads of updates including roof, HVAC, FP flue & more! Private yard, stunning views!

There is almost always an audible sigh of relief from our short sale clients when they get a contract on their home. Even though the process still continues because in many cases, we have to go to the bank to negotiate with them to accept that offer. There is still such great relief that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for this frustrating financial situation.

Being underwater on your home can feel like such a burden. If you owe more on your home than it is worth and you live in the Northern Virginia, DC metro area, please give our team a call. We would love to talk you through the process and see if you qualify for a short sale. We have successfully sold over 350 short sales and would love to make yours a success story too!

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572

Ashburn Single Family Short Sale Under Contract!

23332 GARDENWALK DR, ASHBURN, VA 20148

Charming arts & crafts home loaded w/features & design details. Front porch, 9′ ceilings, amazing millwork, open floor plan w/formal LR, DR, study. Butlers pantry. Gourmet kit w/granite, 42″ cabinetry, huge brkfast bar opens to fam rm w/cozy stone FP. MBR w/luxury MBA, WI closets, 2 more BRs, open to loft. Finished LL w/huge rec rm, den/4th BR & full BA leads to fenced yard. Detached 2 car garage

There is almost always an audible sigh of relief from our short sale clients when they get a contract on their home. Even though the process still continues because in many cases, we have to go to the bank to negotiate with them to accept that offer. There is still such great relief that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for this frustrating financial situation.

Being underwater on your home can feel like such a burden. If you owe more on your home than it is worth and you live in the Northern Virginia, DC metro area, please give our team a call. We would love to talk you through the process and see if you qualify for a short sale. We have successfully sold over 350 short sales and would love to make yours a success story too!

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572

Arlington Two Bedroom Short Sale Condo Just Listed!

21 CANTERBURY SQ #301, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304

Beautiful updated 2 bedroom condo overlooking courtyard in fantastic location! Secure building, open floor plan, arched windows, living room, separate dining room open to kichen w/gas cooking. Balcony. Master bedroom with walk in closet. Walk to shopping, dining, library. Mins to Old Town, Metro, Landmark Mall, DC. All utilities included in condo fee! Pool, extra storage and ample parking!

List Price: $154,900

If you are looking to buy or sell in the Northern Virginia area, this is a great time! Please give our team a call! We would love to help you find your dream home!

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572

Questions Buyers Ask Before Purchasing a Short Sale

How long will a short sale take?

Despite the name, short sales are not quick. A Short Sale can typically take 3-9 months to complete. Some even take over a year. This may seem too long to wait but the process can be well worth it if it helps you avoid foreclosure.

Why does a short sale take so long?

The reason a short sale takes so long is because you are basically asking the bank to lose money. They have a process, as annoying as it is to wait for, they will be sure to dot all their i’s before they grant a short sale. The process can be even more tedious if there are any issues with the buyer’s funding or offer. Your bank has to approve all aspects of the short sale including the offer, home inspection, buyer, appraisal and more.

Is it worth buying a short sale?

Many buyers are concerned when they see a short sale. And there are reasons to be more aware of what buying a short sale involves. But there are some very valid reasons to decide to pursue buying a short sale!!

–You Fell in Love with the Home!

This is obviously a good reason to pursue buying a short sale! People have the misconception that short sales are broken and worn down homes that are undesirable and that is why they are being sold as a short sale. But this is false! A home being sold as a short sale could be a very well loved and up kept home! And even if it needs some updates or extra care, it may be the perfect size and location for your family and is worth putting some equity into it!

–It is a Good Deal!

Some short sales are priced below market value and you are able to get them for less than they are worth. This is not usually the case because the bank is trying to make back as much as they can and not lose money! But they also do not want a house sitting for months or going into foreclosure. So as long as you have a good realtor who is familiar with short sales and negotiating with the bank, they may be able to help get the best price for the property!

–Less Competition!

Being under priced is not the only reason a home could be a good deal. If there are few homes on the market or it is a very competitive market with buyers snatching up homes as soon as they are listed, then a short sale may be a great way for you to go! Many buyers are uneducated about the short sale process and therefore will steer clear of them. Which will mean less interest in an otherwise competitive market!

If you are in a possible short sale situation and want to get more information about the process, please call us. We would like to help you understand what you need to know about a short sale and if you qualify! We have successfully sold over 350 short sales! Yours may be next!

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572

Ashburn Short Sale Under Contract in 5 Days!

42389 GOLDENSEAL SQ, ASHBURN, VA 20148

Beautiful 2 BR, 2.5 bath townhouse style condo with garage in walking distance to Brambleton Town Center! Bright open floor plan, hardwoods in foyer & main level. LR w/cozy FP, dining opens to kitchen w/breakfast bar & SS appliances leading to balcony. Full size W & D. Fabulous amenities, pool, clubhouse, Verizon Fios, 24 hr fitness, trails, dog park, walk to Harris Teeter, dining, movies and more

There is almost always an audible sigh of relief from our short sale clients when they get a contract on their home. Even though the process still continues because in many cases, we have to go to the bank to negotiate with them to accept that offer. There is still such great relief that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for this frustrating financial situation.

Being underwater on your home can feel like such a burden. If you owe more on your home than it is worth and you live in the Northern Virginia, DC metro area, please give our team a call. We would love to talk you through the process and see if you qualify for a short sale. We have successfully sold over 350 short sales and would love to make yours a success story too!

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572

Two Short Sales Sold in Springfield and Chantilly VA!

25174 WHIPPOORWILL TER, CHANTILLY, VA 20152

Under Contract in 3 months and sold this week!

APPROVED SHORT SALE AT $425K*Wonderful brick front townhouse w/2 car garage & bumpouts! Bright open floor plan, 9′ ceilings, LR & DR w/moldings, kitchen w/SS appliances & island opens to breakfast area, fam rm w/cozy FP & sunroom leading to deck! Soaring ceilings on upper level, huge MBR suite w/sitting rm & lux MBA. Large rec rm leads,fenced rear yard. South Riding is loaded w/amazing amenities!

5814 ROYAL RIDGE DR #Q, SPRINGFIELD, VA 22152

Under Contract in 2 months!

Wonderful updated 2 beds and 1 full bath condo overlooking trees in fantastic location! Hardwood floors throughout the entire unit! Almost 800 sq ft, balcony overlooking trees off of living room. Updated kitchen opens to dining area. 2 good-sized bedrooms. Walk in closet, full size washer and dryer! Great location, lots of parking. Only minutes to schools, shopping, more.

Being underwater on your home can feel like such a burden. If you owe more on your home than it is worth and you live in the Northern Virginia, DC metro area, please give our team a call. We would love to talk you through the process and see if you qualify for a short sale. We have successfully sold over 350 short sales and would love to make yours a success story too!

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572

South Riding Luxury Town House PNC Short Sale Just SOLD!

A BIG congrats to our clients! We are so happy they will be able to move on from this financially stressful situation!

25174 WHIPPOORWILL TER, CHANTILLY, VA 20152

Under Contract Less than in 3 Months! And approved by PNC and second trust approval under Caliber Home Loans.

Home Description:

Chantilly Short Sale Town House Under Contract! APPROVED SHORT SALE AT $425K*Wonderful brick front townhouse w/2 car garage & bumpouts! Bright open floor plan, 9′ ceilings, LR & DR w/moldings, kitchen w/SS appliances & island opens to breakfast area, fam rm w/cozy FP & sunroom leading to deck! Soaring ceilings on upper level, huge MBR suite w/sitting rm & lux MBA. Large rec rm leads,fenced rear yard. South Riding is loaded w/amazing amenities!

There is almost always an audible sigh of relief from our short sale clients when they get a contract on their home. Even though the process still continues because in many cases, we have to go to the bank to negotiate with them to accept that offer. There is still such great relief that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for this frustrating financial situation. Now this family also has the approvals in hand! We are just waiting for closing!

Here are the approval letters for your research purposes:

Being underwater on your home can feel like such a burden. If you owe more on your home than it is worth and you live in the Northern Virginia, DC metro area, please give our team a call. We would love to talk you through the process and see if you qualify for a short sale. We have successfully sold over 350 short sales and would love to make yours a success story too!

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572

Ashburn Single Family Short Sale Under Contract!

23332 GARDENWALK DR, ASHBURN, VA 20148

Charming arts & crafts home loaded w/features & design details. Front porch, 9′ ceilings, amazing millwork, open floor plan w/formal LR, DR, study. Butlers pantry. Gourmet kit w/granite, 42″ cabinetry, huge brkfast bar opens to fam rm w/cozy stone FP. MBR w/luxury MBA, WI closets, 2 more BRs, open to loft. Finished LL w/huge rec rm, den/4th BR & full BA leads to fenced yard. Detached 2 car garage

If you are in a possible short sale situation and want to get more information about the process, please call us. We would like to help you understand what you need to know about a short sale and if you qualify! We have successfully sold over 350 short sales! Yours may be next!

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572

Fairfax Short Sale Condo Under Contract!

4646 SUPERIOR SQ ##4646, FAIRFAX, VA 22033

One Loan with Wells Fargo, professionally negotiated short sale! Must see this gorgeous 2 BR, 2 full BA condo in sought after Gates of Fair Lakes! Light filled LR & DR open to updated kitchen with granite, white cabinets some w/glass fronts, SS appls. Balcony. MBR w/cathedral ceiling, WI closet. Amenities include clubhouse, pool, fitness center, etc. Shuttle to Vienna metro. Close to Fair Lakes!

There is almost always an audible sigh of relief from our short sale clients when they get a contract on their home. Even though the process still continues because in many cases, we have to go to the bank to negotiate with them to accept that offer. There is still such great relief that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for this frustrating financial situation.

Being underwater on your home can feel like such a burden. If you owe more on your home than it is worth and you live in the Northern Virginia, DC metro area, please give our team a call. We would love to talk you through the process and see if you qualify for a short sale. We have successfully sold over 350 short sales and would love to make yours a success story too!

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572

Ocwen and Citimortgage Short Sale Approved and SOLD Fast!

14814 HAYMARKET LN, CENTREVILLE, VA 20120

Wonderful updated all brick townhome in excellent location! 3 finished levels, 3 bedrooms, 2 full & 2 half baths. Hardwood floors on main & upper level. Open living room and dining room, eat in kitchen w/gas range. Large master bedroom has 2 closets & full bath. Huge rec rm leads to fenced rear yard with patio backing to common area & trees! Easy access to 29, 66, dining, shopping & more!

OCWEN and CitiMortgage Short Sale Approval Letters with all deficiency rights being waived. Here are copies of the letters for your research purposes:

We are so happy for our clients! Great job team in getting this one done quickly and efficiently!

Being underwater on your home can feel like such a burden. If you owe more on your home than it is worth and you live in the Northern Virginia, DC metro area, please give our team a call. We would love to talk you through the process and see if you qualify for a short sale. We have successfully sold over 350 short sales and would love to make yours a success story too!

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572

1st trust unpaid balance: $295,527.14

2nd trust unpaid pricipal balance: $66,449.31

Fairfax Short Sale Condo Just Reduced 20K!

4646 SUPERIOR SQ ##4646, FAIRFAX, VA 22033

*One Loan with Wells Fargo, professionally negotiated short sale! Must see this gorgeous 2 BR, 2 full BA condo in sought after Gates of Fair Lakes! Light filled LR & DR open to updated kitchen with granite, white cabinets some w/glass fronts, SS appls. Balcony. MBR w/cathedral ceiling, WI closet. Amenities include clubhouse, pool, fitness center, etc. Shuttle to Vienna metro. Close to Fair Lakes!

If you are in a possible short sale situation and want to get more information about the process, please call us. We would like to help you understand what you need to know about a short sale and if you qualify! We have successfully sold over 350 short sales! Yours may be next!

Jennifer Young Homes

Keller Williams Realty

(703) 774-9572