A short sale could help you avoid foreclosure, protect your credit, and walk away with cash in your pocket — without the stress of going it alone.
Missing mortgage payments is overwhelming. The calls, the letters, the uncertainty. A short sale can give you a structured way out before things get worse.
If your home's market value has dropped below what you owe, you may feel trapped. A short sale lets you sell for less than the balance — with lender approval.
Foreclosure can haunt your credit for years. Acting early — before the bank forces a sale — gives you far more control and leaves the door open for your financial future.
We handle the complexity so you don't have to. From first call to closing, we're with you every step of the way.
We review your situation — your mortgage balance, property value, and timeline — with zero cost and zero obligation. You'll know your options before making any decision.
We communicate directly with your lender on your behalf. We prepare the hardship package and negotiate the short sale approval — this is where experience matters most.
We list and market your property through our network and the MLS. Our goal is a qualified buyer and clean offer that the lender will accept — and close quickly.
At closing, your mortgage is satisfied and you can start fresh. Many lenders also provide $3,000–$15,000 in relocation assistance to help your next move.
*Relocation assistance subject to lender approval and is not guaranteed.
Jack Watlington has spent his career helping South Florida homeowners navigate some of the most stressful moments of their lives. As a licensed Florida broker with Fidelity Realty Advisors and a certified short sale specialist, Jack brings firsthand lender relationships, deep market knowledge, and a calm, no-pressure approach.
His clients aren't just transactions — they're families looking for a fair path forward. If you're unsure what to do, Jack will tell you honestly whether a short sale makes sense for your situation — even if that answer is no.
Jack explains what a short sale is, how it works, and what real homeowners can expect from the process.
Everything you need to know — how the process works, what lenders look for, how your credit is affected, and what relocation assistance you may qualify for. Plain language, no jargon.
⬇️ Download Free GuideA short sale is when your lender agrees to accept less than the full amount owed on your mortgage in order to allow you to sell the home. The difference between the sale price and your remaining balance is either forgiven or negotiated away. It's a legal, lender-approved process that allows homeowners who owe more than their home is worth to sell without going through foreclosure.
A short sale will appear on your credit report, typically as "settled for less than full amount." While this does impact your credit score, it is significantly less damaging than a foreclosure. Most homeowners who complete a short sale are able to qualify for a new mortgage in 2–3 years, compared to 5–7 years after a foreclosure, depending on the loan type.
No — in fact, it's better to pursue a short sale before foreclosure starts. Lenders typically require a "hardship" — such as job loss, divorce, death of a co-borrower, medical bills, or a significant change in income — rather than an active foreclosure. Acting early gives you more time and more options. If you've already received a foreclosure notice, time is critical, but a short sale can still often be completed.
Many lenders, especially those servicing FHA or government-backed loans, offer cash relocation assistance — typically $3,000 to $15,000 — to help homeowners transition after a short sale closes. This is sometimes called "cash for keys." It is not guaranteed: the amount depends entirely on your lender, loan type, and specific program participation. We will always be upfront with you about what to realistically expect in your situation.
Short sales typically take 3–6 months from listing to closing, depending on how quickly the lender reviews and approves the offer. Some deals close faster; others can take longer if the lender is slow. As for cost: our services are paid through the real estate commission at closing — you pay nothing out of pocket to work with us. The initial consultation is completely free.
No fees, no obligation, no pressure. Just an honest conversation about your options.
Prefer to talk? Call us now. Jack or a team member will answer and walk you through your situation with no pressure and no sales pitch.
(800) 674-9228Mon–Sat · 9am–6pm EST
Pick a time that works for you. We'll call you at the time you choose — no waiting, no back-and-forth.