Short Sale vs. Deed in Lieu

June

30

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Short Sale or a Deed in Lieu: What's the right choice for you?

If you owe more than your home is worth and need to get out of your home, you may be wondering what your options are to avoid foreclosure. A short sale is the process by which a home is sold for less than is owed on the mortgage balance. A deed in lieu is a voluntary foreclosure, through which the lender agrees to release the debt and take over title to the home. Both are preferable options to foreclosure, which takes much longer than a short sale or a deed in lieu, and comes with many additional ramifications.

Read up on the differences between the two:

Short Sale vs. Deed in Lieu

SHORT SALE
  • Home gets listed on the open market and is sold like any other, but with an additional contingency for the lender to approve the sale. This contingency may take several months to meet.
  • The only option for resolving more than one mortgage against the home, as all mortgages and liens must be resolved to transfer clean title to the buyer.
  • Your short sale real estate agent handles all the details and deals with the lender on your behalf. 
  • Relocation assistance may be available.
FL short sale process
DEED IN LIEU
  • The lender agrees to let you sign over the title to your home, instead of having to acquire it through a full foreclosure. 99% of the time, the lender will NOT agree to a deed in lieu until you attempt a short sale.
  • Can only resolve ONE lien - the first mortgage. Not an option if you have multiple mortgages or additional liens.
  • You or an attorney you hire will deal with the lender and facilitate the transaction.
  • Relocation assistance may be available.
walk away from house

While a deed in lieu may seem like an easier process than a short sale, the fact is that lenders do not want to own your home, and will usually force you to attempt a short sale before agreeing to deed in lieu. Additionally, not everyone is a candidate for a deed in lieu due to having multiple lienholders.

Need help figuring out how to deal with your negative equity home?

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Minna Reid was just who I needed to help me sell my home. She is highly experienced and knows exactly what must be done in order to sell a home facing foreclosure. Minna is diligent and knowledgeable when dealing with the bank which are skills that not every realtor has. My only regret is that I did not find her sooner!

KELLY TURNAGE

Last Updated on July 1, 2025 by Minna Reid

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