I co-signed for my mother on an equity line with Wells Fargo. The total balance/payment came due {$23000.00}. The debt free family farm was up as collateral, so there was no other lien holder. I lost my job and used {$19000.00} of my severance in agreed settlement with Wells Fargo to payout the debt. The Wells Fargo bank representative suggested that I not continue the monthly payments, hence I was delinquent 30, 60 and 90 days while it was negotiated. My credit report states language from Wells Fargo like " customer settled for less than balance, account paid and closed. I have been denied refi by Mortgage companies and denied home equity lines and the reason given is " Short Sale ''. There was no " sale '' short or otherwise. We still own the farm. I sent tax statements and such to prove that we own the farm to this day. 
I am not sure how the mortgage underwriters are construing the situation as a " short sale ''. I have written the credit agencies to request that language be added, " this was not a short sale ''. The language was added " customer disputes ''. Disputes what? I dispute this was not a short sale. I have also written to Wells Fargo XXXX times and they have sent me the same form letter XXXX times with the same signature. Why does this interpretation happen? How is it determined? The words " Short Sale '' never appear in the credit agency reports?? I have a credit score around XXXX. I have about {$420000.00} in equity in my home. XXXX changed the regs in 2014 to call for a four year ineligibility for a mortgage for an equity line. Please help, do n't understand. 
