Short Sales and Your Credit - By: Josh Sloan

When considering a short sale, be aware of how it affects your credit and your ability to acquire another mortgage down the road. If you intend to buy again, a short sale may mean that you have to wait a shorter time and get a better interest rate than if you go through foreclosure.

A short sale will affect your credit negatively, but the long-term effects are not nearly as bad as having a credit report stamped with "Foreclosure". Having that on your credit report is like having a huge pimple on your face. Lenders just can't help but notice that it's there. A short sale at least shows that you were proactive about your mortgage.

The way that FICO determines the effect of any change to your credit, positive or negative is based on a number of different data. There's your payment history, your debt load, the amount of time that you've had a credit history, any new credit you've obtained and the type of credit you use. Of course, your payment history reigns supreme here, followed closely by how much you owe. No single factor determines your credit score.

If you short sell your home, your FICO score may take a dip comparable to foreclosure – possibly up to 300 points. Any "not paid as agreed" accounts are considered the same to FICO. This can stay on your record for 7 years, impairing your ability to get considered for a decent loan.

The main advantage of a short sale is the amount of time that it will take another lender to consider you for a loan. You will be able to buy another home for a workable interest rate a lot more quickly with a short sale than a foreclosure. The average is within 2 years as opposed to 3-5 years.

If you view this event as an opportunity to rebuild your credit in the interim between the short sale and purchasing another home, it's possible to improve your credit in under 2 years. Over time, the negative impact on your score lessens. Keep on top of your debt and expenses and you may find that you are a homeowner again a lot quicker with a short sale.

When considering a short sale, be aware of how it affects your credit and your ability to acquire another mortgage down the road. If you intend to buy again, a short sale may mean that you have to wait a shorter time and get a better interest rate than if you go through foreclosure.

A short sale will affect your credit negatively, but the long-term effects are not nearly as bad as having a credit report stamped with "Foreclosure". Having that on your credit report is like having a huge pimple on your face. Lenders just can't help but notice that it's there. A short sale at least shows that you were proactive about your mortgage.

The way that FICO determines the effect of any change to your credit, positive or negative is based on a number of different data. There's your payment history, your debt load, the amount of time that you've had a credit history, any new credit you've obtained and the type of credit you use. Of course, your payment history reigns supreme here, followed closely by how much you owe. No single factor determines your credit score.

If you short sell your home, your FICO score may take a dip comparable to foreclosure – possibly up to 300 points. Any "not paid as agreed" accounts are considered the same to FICO. This can stay on your record for 7 years, impairing your ability to get considered for a decent loan.

The main advantage of a short sale is the amount of time that it will take another lender to consider you for a loan. You will be able to buy another home for a workable interest rate a lot more quickly with a short sale than a foreclosure. The average is within 2 years as opposed to 3-5 years.

If you view this event as an opportunity to rebuild your credit in the interim between the short sale and purchasing another home, it's possible to improve your credit in under 2 years. Over time, the negative impact on your score lessens. Keep on top of your debt and expenses and you may find that you are a homeowner again a lot quicker with a short sale.

About the Author

Joshua Sloan is your San Diego real estate agent at SanDiegoRealEstateBuzz.com. If you're looking for Del Mar real estate for sale, Joshua can help.

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