Are Real Estate Taxes the Same as Property Taxes? It’s a question that comes up all the time — especially for new homeowners, investors, and even out-of-state buyers:Are real estate taxes the same thing as property taxes? The short answer is yes — in most cases, they refer to the same tax.But depending on where you live, there can be small differences in how the terms are used. Real Estate Taxes Explained “Real estate taxes” are the taxes a local government — usually the county — charges on the assessed value of your land and any buildings or improvements on it.These taxes fund essential services like: County schools and local education Police and fire protection Road maintenance Parks and public projects Your local property appraiser determines the taxable value, and the tax collector’s office sends out the bill each year, usually in November in Florida. Why They’re Also Called “Property Taxes” The term “property taxes” is simply a broader phrase. It can refer to: Real property — land, homes, and buildings (this is what most people mean) Personal property — certain business equipment, boats, or commercial assets (in limited cases) So, while all real estate taxes are property taxes, not all property taxes are real estate taxes.For most homeowners, they’re one and the same. What to Remember When you receive your tax bill each year from the county, it’s referring to your real estate taxes — your property tax on the land and home you own.In Florida, you can often receive a small discount by paying early, and homestead exemptions can reduce your taxable amount significantly. If you’re buying land or a new home, it’s always smart to verify: The current year’s property tax amount Whether any special assessments or CDD fees apply And if the property qualifies for exemptions or caps that might change after sale Final Thoughts In everyday real estate terms, real estate taxes and property taxes mean the same thing — the annual tax you pay to own property.Understanding how these taxes work helps you make more informed decisions whether you’re buying, selling, or managing investment real estate.

One of the biggest myths about short sales is that you have to be behind on your mortgage payments to qualify.In reality, you don’t always have to be late — but lenders do need to see that a genuine hardship exists. Understanding the Lender’s Perspective A short sale means the lender agrees to let you sell your property for less than what’s owed on the mortgage.Because the lender is taking a loss, they’ll require proof that you can’t afford to keep the home — this is what’s known as a financial hardship. Examples of qualifying hardships include: Loss of income or job Divorce or separation Medical bills or long-term illness Death of a co-borrower Relocation for work or military orders If your hardship is well-documented, many lenders will review your short sale even if you’re still current on payments. Why Some Sellers Choose to Stop Paying Some homeowners do fall behind before approval because the process can take months, and continuing to pay may not be realistic.However, falling behind intentionally just to “qualify” can still hurt your credit and isn’t required by all lenders. Bottom Line You don’t always have to be late to pursue a short sale — what matters most is that you can clearly show financial hardship and can’t sustain the payments long-term. Christopher Scott Realty GroupProfessional Real Estate & REO Services — Central Floridawww.ChristopherScottRealtyGroup.com

A short sale does impact your credit, but typically less severely than a foreclosure. The Immediate Effect When the short sale closes, your lender reports the mortgage as “settled for less than the full balance.”That usually causes a credit score drop of around 100 to 150 points for most homeowners — depending on overall credit history. Short Sale vs. Foreclosure While both affect your credit, a foreclosure stays on your record for seven years, while a short sale often allows you to recover in as little as two to three years — especially if you’ve maintained good credit otherwise.Many lenders tend to view a completed short sale as a sign that the homeowner took responsible action under hardship, rather than walking away from the property. Rebuilding After a Short Sale You can start rebuilding almost immediately by: Keeping all remaining accounts current Using a secured credit card responsibly Avoiding multiple new credit applications at once The Good News A short sale shows lenders you took proactive steps to resolve a difficult situation.With consistency and time, most homeowners find they can qualify for a new mortgage much sooner than they expected. Christopher Scott Realty GroupProfessional Real Estate & REO Services — Central Floridawww.ChristopherScottRealtyGroup.com

Yes, a lender can reject a short sale, but it usually happens for a few predictable reasons — most of which can be avoided with the right preparation and documentation. Common Reasons for Rejection Offer Too Low:The buyer’s offer doesn’t meet the lender’s minimum acceptable value based on their internal valuation or broker price opinion (BPO). Incomplete Package:Missing documents — such as the hardship letter, recent pay stubs, or tax returns — can delay or stop approval completely. Unverified Hardship:If the lender doesn’t believe there’s a genuine financial hardship, they may deny the request. A strong hardship letter is essential. Mortgage Insurance or Investor Requirements:Loans backed by mortgage insurance or investors (like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac) require an extra layer of approval, which can complicate things. Multiple Liens or Second Mortgages:If there are other lienholders involved, all parties must agree to the short sale terms — and that can slow or block the process. How to Improve Your Chances Submit a complete and organized short sale package right from the start. Work with an experienced short sale agent who understands lender timelines and communication channels. Make sure the offer reflects true market value, supported by comparable sales. Bottom Line Most short sale rejections come down to paperwork issues, unrealistic pricing, or missing proof of hardship.With clear documentation and professional guidance, many short sales that start off uncertain can still reach the closing table successfully. Christopher Scott Realty GroupProfessional Real Estate & REO Services — Central Floridawww.ChristopherScottRealtyGroup.com

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 Preparation (1–2 weeks):Your agent collects financial documents, drafts the hardship letter, and submits the short sale package to the lender. 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. 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. 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 GroupProfessional Real Estate & REO Services — Central Floridawww.ChristopherScottRealtyGroup.com