Alex Silva has more than 30 years in real estate, and short-sale negotiation is his specialty.
When a short sale makes sense
A short sale is worth a conversation when the numbers no longer work and you’d rather sell than wait for a foreclosure.
- You owe more on the mortgage than the home would sell for.
- A hardship changed your finances: job loss, divorce, illness, relocation, or a death in the family.
- You’re behind on payments, or you can see it coming.
- You want some control over the timing and the sale, instead of a court deciding.
If the home is worth more than you owe, you may not need a short sale at all. A regular sale could pay off the loan. Alex will tell you which one fits.
How a Florida short sale works
- Get the full picture.Value, what you owe, and every lien on the property, including second mortgages, HOA balances, and tax liens.
- Find a qualified buyer.The home is priced for the lender’s valuation, not just the market, and buyers know up front that it’s a short sale.
- Work the file to a decision.The offer goes in with your hardship package. Alex answers the lender’s valuation and negotiates counteroffers through approval and closing.
What your lender will usually ask for
Short sales stall most often because the file is incomplete. Having these ready saves weeks.
Requirements differ by lender and loan type. Alex confirms the exact list with your servicer.
A typical short-sale package
- A hardship letter explaining what changed.
- A financial statement or lender form.
- Recent pay stubs and bank statements.
- Recent tax returns.
- The listing agreement and signed purchase contract.
- Written permission for Alex to speak with your lender.
Alex Silva, broker
Voyance Real Estate is led by its broker and owner, Alex D. Silva, who has more than 30 years in real estate and holds Florida broker license BK3153327.
Short-sale negotiation is his specialty: lender approvals, second liens, and valuation disputes.
He works with homes, condos, rentals, and commercial property across Central and South Florida, in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Short sale questions
Does a short sale cost me anything out of pocket?
In most short sales, the lender approves the real estate commission and closing costs as part of the sale, so they’re paid from the proceeds. Confirm how your lender handles this before you sign anything.
How long does a Florida short sale take?
It depends on the lender, the number of liens, and the buyer. Many take several months from listing to closing. No one can promise a closing date, but a complete file moves faster.
Will a short sale stop my foreclosure?
Not by itself. Some lenders may postpone a sale date while they review a short sale, but that isn’t guaranteed. Keep responding to court papers and talk to a Florida attorney about your deadlines.
What happens to the rest of the debt?
It depends on the approval letter. Some lenders waive the remaining balance and some don’t. Have an attorney review the terms before closing.
General real estate information, not legal, tax, or financial advice.
Owe more than it’s worth? Start with a conversation.
Tell Alex about the property and your timeline. He’ll tell you honestly whether a short sale fits.