Short Sales and Foreclosures

With the recent declines in housing markets throughout the United States, many homeowners have found themselves facing possible foreclosure or short sale situations. Luckily Denver has not been hit as hard as many other markets, and Stapleton has faired even better. This does not mean that we have avoided foreclosures and short sales, and is not meant to minimize the seriousness of the situation of you are facing a short sale or foreclosure.

Short Sales

A short sale is a sale of real estate where the proceeds from the sale (after expenses) are not sufficient to pay off the loans and liens on the property. In this situation, the seller negotiates with the lender(s) to accept less than they are owed and release their liens (mortgages) against the property. The lender(s) may release the seller from all or some of their obligations under the loan(s), or they may convert the remaining balance to an unsecured loan. A short sale is typically faster than a foreclosure action, but it can still take months to reach agreement with the lender(s).

Foreclosure

A foreclosure is an action by a lender to take title to a property where the owner/borrower is in default of payment. In Colorado, non-judicial foreclosures are carried out by the "Public Trustee" in each county.

Information Resources

If you are facing a short sale or foreclosure, we can help you to understand the process and your rights. You may be able to work with your lender to restructure your current loan(s) to avoid foreclosure or you may be able to sell your home. Here are some helpful sources of additional information:

• US Department of Housing and Urban Development: Avoiding Foreclosure
• Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Housing: Foreclosure Hotline
• City and County of Denver: Office of the Public Trustee