Florida distressed-property guide
What is a short sale in Florida?
Short answer
A short sale is a home sale for less than the mortgage balance. The lender or servicer decides whether to accept the proposed transaction; a listing or an offer is not approval.
Last verified August 4, 2026Start with the controlling definition
The CFPB defines a short sale as selling a home for less than the amount owed on the mortgage. The owner should contact the servicer about available mortgage options and submission instructions.
A broker can prepare the property and market evidence. The lender, investor, and other lienholders control their own decisions.
Understand Alexandra's credential and role
Alexandra DuPont holds the SFR® Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification.
NAR describes SFR® as a certification for REALTORS® working with distressed-property buyers and sellers, including coordination with finance, tax, and legal professionals. Alexandra’s individual credential is also listed in her named public agent record, verified August 14, 2026.
Build a documented property file
Gather current loan and lien contacts, property condition records, association balances, title issues, occupancy facts, market evidence, and any offer. Use the Florida short-sale process guide to organize the work.
Keep dated copies of every submission, request, acknowledgement, and decision letter.
Keep legal and tax conclusions with advisers
Florida Statutes §702.06 addresses deficiency claims and expressly references short sales. A Florida lawyer should advise on possible liability, any release language, and the owner’s documents.
IRS Publication 4681 addresses canceled debts, foreclosures, and repossessions. A qualified tax professional should determine the treatment for the owner.
Get independent mortgage help
Contact the servicer promptly. A HUD-approved housing counselor can help the owner understand mortgage options and prepare questions.
If a foreclosure case exists, use the foreclosure sale-workstream guide and obtain legal advice about the case.
What is a short sale in Florida?
The CFPB defines it as a home sale for less than the mortgage balance. The lender or servicer decides whether to accept the proposed transaction.
The CFPB defines it as a home sale for less than the mortgage balance. The lender or servicer decides whether to accept the proposed transaction.
Is a listing or offer short-sale approval?
No. A listing or an offer is not approval. The lender or servicer reviews the actual submission and decides.
No. A listing or an offer is not approval. The lender or servicer reviews the actual submission and decides.
Who answers deficiency questions?
Florida counsel should apply section 702.06 and the transaction documents to the owner's facts.
Florida counsel should apply section 702.06 and the transaction documents to the owner's facts.
Who answers canceled-debt tax questions?
A qualified tax professional should apply current IRS guidance to the owner's facts.
A qualified tax professional should apply current IRS guidance to the owner's facts.
Where can a homeowner discuss mortgage options?
Contact the mortgage servicer and a HUD-approved housing counselor promptly.
Contact the mortgage servicer and a HUD-approved housing counselor promptly.
Evidence ledger
Read the sources.
Education only—not legal, tax, credit, debt, lending, foreclosure, or title advice. The lender decides whether to accept a proposed short sale.
- NAR SFR® certificationVerified August 14, 2026 · Official credential source ↗
- Alexandra DuPont SFR agent recordVerified August 14, 2026 · Named public agent record ↗
- CFPB short-sale definitionReviewed February 2, 2024 · Federal source ↗
- HUD housing counselingVerified August 14, 2026 · Federal source ↗
- Florida Statutes §702.06Last verified August 4, 2026 · Official source ↗
- IRS Publication 4681Last verified August 4, 2026 · Official source ↗
Direct broker guidance
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Build the sale plan.
Call (561) 929-5276 or email Alexandradupont7@gmail.com. You reach Alexandra directly.
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