 TITLE: What Is a Short Sale? CONTENT: Are Short Sale Home Prices Negotiable?\n--------------------------------------\nShort sale home prices are negotiable, but not in the same way as the sale price in a traditional purchase is. As the seller, you may be motivated to get rid of the property—but the mortgage lender must ultimately decide whether to accept an offer.\nNegotiable items on the home can include the price and closing costs, among other things. A short sale buyer should:\n*   Conduct a home inspection to determine the necessity and cost of repairs.\n*   Compare prices with comparable homes in the area.\n*   Be patient and understand that it can take several months for a lender to approve your offer.\n*   Provide a preapproval letter, so the lender knows the deal will go through if approved.\n*   Make a sizable earnest money deposit to further convince the lender it's a good offer.\nAlso, both sellers and buyers should also consider using real estate agents who have experience with short sales. Sometimes real estate market trends can drive down a home's value over time, so having an experienced agent can help manage expectations for an appropriate price. END