Things You Need To Know When Going Through A Short Sale


If you find yourself underwater regarding your mortgage, basically, if you owe more than the appraised value of the home, then you may be wondering what your options are. On the one hand, you can stick with it, and try to catch up, but with how the market swings that may not be feasible. On the other hand, if your lender agrees, you might be able to sell your house fast during a short sale.

 

In this article, we will talk a little bit about short sales and highlight a few things to expect during the process.

What Is A Short Sale?

Simply put, a short sale is when you get approval to sell your house for less than what is owed. If you have a second mortgage, both lenders will need to approve the sale. That being said, lenders are generally more apt to allow a short sale, rather than go through the process of foreclosure, which is a lengthy and expensive process. The compromise is that the seller will take the credit score reduction that comes along with a short sale.

The Short Sale Process Is Far Different From A Regular Sale

From the point of view of the seller, before the short sale can even start, you will need to show the bank why a short sale is needed. This can mean providing documents like tax and wage paperwork. Usually, the bank will also require a statement called a “hardship letterâ€, which is a letter from the party responsible for the mortgage, explaining why their need to sell the home via short sale, and details the financial situation and circumstances that led to this need.

You Will Need An Experienced Agent

There are two reasons for this, firstly a short sale has paperwork unique to the process, and also the home is essentially being sold in an “as-is†condition.

 

Your agent will help to guide you through the generally complicated processes of a short sale easier than an agent who has only done a couple. Make sure they are experienced and familiar with the process.

 

With a traditional sale, there is usually an inspection, then an offer that can include credit for uncompleted repairs is made. This is not how a short sale works, the bank is already losing money on the deal, so the buyer will need to accept responsibility for any and all needed repairs.

Two Common Short Sale Misconceptions

  1. If I short sell, I will not be able to buy another home for many years.
    1. Not entirely true, you may be able to get an FHA loan as soon as three years after the short sale. That being said, guidelines differ from lender to lender.
  2. A Short sale will destroy my credit.
    1. While it will certainly affect your credit, there is no one single answer on exactly how it will affect your credit. For example, if you pay on time, a short sale will lower your score, but not by the degree that missed payments would have.

What Not to Fix Before Selling Your House in OKC (Skip Repairs)

What Not to Fix Before Selling Your House in OKC If you’re getting ready to sell your house, you might be wondering what you actually need to fix—and what you can skip. The truth is, many homeowners in Oklahoma City spend thousands on repairs they never get back. Let’s break down what not to fix before selling your house in OKC so you can save time, money, and stress. Watch this quick video to learn what repairs you can skip before selling your house in Oklahoma City: Prefer reading? Keep scrolling for a full breakdown of what you should and shouldn’t fix before selling. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- What Not to Fix Before Selling Your House Not every repair is worth your time or money—especially if you’re trying to sell quickly. Here are some of the most common things you can usually skip: – Minor cosmetic issues (scuffed paint, small nail holes) – Outdated kitchens or bathrooms – Old flooring that still functions – Small electrical or plumbing quirks – Landscaping imperfections Most buyers expect some level of wear and tear—especially in as-is sales. You can also review current housing market trends to better understand how a home’s condition impacts its value in today’s market. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Should You Fix Major Repairs Before Selling? This depends on your situation. Major repairs like: – Roof replacement – HVAC systems – Foundation issues Can be expensive and time-consuming. If you’re listing your home on the market, these may come up during inspection. But if you’re selling as-is, you may not need to fix them at all. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Why Many OKC Homeowners Skip Repairs In Oklahoma City, many sellers choose to skip repairs because: – Repairs don’t always increase your sale price enough – They delay your timeline – They add stress and uncertainty – You may not have the cash upfront For homeowners dealing with probate, inherited homes, or distressed properties, fixing everything just isn’t practical. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- What Happens If You Sell Your House As-Is? Selling your house as-is means: – No repairs – No cleaning or prep work – No showings or open houses – No waiting on buyer financing It’s one of the fastest and simplest ways to sell—especially if your property needs work. If you want to explore your options, you can learn how to get a fast cash offer for your home. If timing is also something you’re thinking about, you can read our guide on the hardest month to sell a house in OKC to better understand how seasonality impacts your options. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- When Does It Make Sense to Fix Things? There are times when small updates can help: – If your home is in overall good condition – If you’re trying to maximize retail value – If you have time and budget to invest But for many sellers, especially those needing speed and convenience, skipping repairs is the better choice. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Need to Sell Your House Fast in OKC Without Repairs? If you’re dealing with repairs, stress, or just want a simple way to sell… We help homeowners in Oklahoma City sell their houses as-is: – No repairs – No commissions – No fees – Close on your timeline Learn how to get a fast and fair cash offer for your home: House Buyers OKC ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Frequently Asked Questions: What repairs should I skip before selling my house? You can often skip cosmetic repairs, minor updates, and non-essential improvements, especially if selling as-is. Can I sell my house as-is in Oklahoma City? Yes, many homeowners in OKC sell their homes as-is without making repairs, especially when working with cash buyers. Do I need to fix a roof before selling my house? Not always. If you sell as-is, buyers may purchase the home without requiring you to replace the roof. Will I get less money if I don’t make repairs? Possibly, but many sellers save money by avoiding repair costs, commissions, and delays.

What is the Hardest Month to Sell a House in OKC?

What Is the Hardest Month to Sell a House in OKC? If you’re trying to sell your house fast in OKC, timing can play a big role—but it’s not everything. Many homeowners assume there’s a “perfect” time to sell, but the reality is a little more nuanced—especially here in Oklahoma City. Let’s break it down. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- What Is the Hardest Month to Sell a House? The hardest months to sell a house are typically November through January. During this time: – Buyers are distracted by the holidays – Weather can slow down showings – Fewer people are actively house hunting This seasonal slowdown happens across most markets—including Oklahoma City. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Is It Harder to Sell a House in OKC During Winter? In many cases, yes—but not always. In OKC, winter can slow down: – Retail buyers (families, first-time buyers) – Showings and open houses – Traditional MLS activity However… Serious buyers are still active year-round. These buyers are often: – Investors – Cash buyers – People relocating for work – Buyers looking for discounted or as-is properties ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Can You Still Sell Your House Fast in OKC During the Slow Season? Absolutely. If your goal is to sell your house fast in Oklahoma City, timing matters less when you focus on the right strategy. Here are your main options:  1. List on the MLS – May take longer during slower months – Requires cleaning, repairs, and showings – Dependent on buyer demand 2. Sell to a Cash Buyer (Fastest Option) – No repairs needed – No commissions or hidden fees – Close on your timeline If speed and simplicity matter most, this is often the best route. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- What’s the Best Month to Sell a House in OKC? The strongest months are typically: – April through June Why? – More buyers in the market – Better weather for showings – Families preparing to move before school starts But here’s the key: The “best” time depends on YOUR situation—not just the market. If you’re dealing with: – Repairs – Probate – Foreclosure – Problem tenants Waiting for the “perfect month” can actually cost you more. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- When Should You Sell Your House in Oklahoma City? The best time to sell is when it makes sense for your situation. If you’re saying: – “I need to sell quickly” – “I don’t want to make repairs” – “I just want this property off my hands” Then timing becomes much less important. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Need to Sell Your House Fast in OKC? If you’re looking for a faster, easier way to sell, check out our full guide on how to get a fast cash offer for your home. According to the National Association of Realtors housing data, home sales activity typically slows during the winter months, while spring and early summer see the highest buyer demand. Learn more about real estate trends from the National Association of Realtors. Get a Fair Cash Offer in OKC If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want a simple, stress-free option… We buy houses in OKC as-is: – No repairs – No commissions – No fees – Close on your timeline Call or text 405-279-9799 Or get your cash offer here: House Buyers OKC ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Frequently Asked Questions: What is the slowest month to sell a house? The slowest months are typically November through January due to holidays and reduced buyer activity. Is winter a bad time to sell a house in Oklahoma? Winter can be slower for traditional sales, but serious buyers—including investors—are still active in Oklahoma City. Can I sell my house fast in OKC during winter? Yes, especially if you sell to a cash buyer who can close quickly without repairs or delays. What is the best month to sell a house in Oklahoma City? April through June are typically the strongest months due to increased buyer demand and better weather.