Short sales are often discussed as a neat solution, but they are messy, slow, and complicated. If a homeowner owes more than their house is worth, a short sale might prevent foreclosure. We dive deep into the mechanics: the severe financial hardships required for seller qualification (job loss, divorce, medical bills), why lenders only review offers after a buyer is secured, and the brutal 60 to 120-day wait for approval. Buyers beware—this process is a major gamble. Learn about the credit implications, potential tax consequences, and why you need an expert agent to navigate the endless paperwork.