One of the most common questions from homeowners and buyers alike is:
“How long does a short sale take?”
The honest answer — it depends.

On average, a short sale can take anywhere from 45 days to 6 months to close.
The exact timeline depends on how quickly the lender reviews the file, whether all documents are complete, and if there are multiple lienholders involved.

Typical Short Sale Timeline

1. Preparation (1–2 weeks):
   Your agent collects financial documents, drafts the hardship letter, and submits the short sale package to the lender.

2. Lender Review (30–60 days):
   The lender orders a Broker Price Opinion (BPO) or appraisal to determine the property’s market value.
   During this time, they may request additional documents or clarifications.

3. Negotiation & Approval (2–6 weeks):
   Once the lender completes their review, they issue an approval letter — sometimes with conditions that need to be met before closing.

4. Closing (2–4 weeks):
   After approval, the transaction moves to closing like any other sale, coordinated between the buyer, seller, title company, and lender.

What Can Delay a Short Sale

• Missing documents or incomplete financial package

• Multiple loans or lienholders on the property

• Low or unverified offers that fall below the lender’s target

• Slow responses from buyers, lenders, or third-party servicers

Tips to Keep It Moving

• Work with an agent experienced in short sales who stays proactive with the lender.

• Respond quickly to document requests.

• Keep your buyer engaged and informed — lender responses can take time.

Bottom Line

Short sales don’t happen overnight, but they can be completed smoothly with strong communication and a complete, well-prepared file.
Every lender moves at a different pace — patience and organization are key to reaching the finish line.

Christopher Scott Realty Group
Professional Real Estate & REO Services — Central Florida
www.ChristopherScottRealtyGroup.com