Selling through a life change

Owe More Than It's Worth? A Short Sale May Be the Way Out

Owing more than the home is worth is a market problem, not a character problem, and there is a documented process for it. In a short sale the lender agrees to take less than the balance so the sale can close, and in most cases the seller pays nothing out of pocket — the lender covers the commission and closing costs as part of approving it. It's slower than a normal sale because approval sits with them, and it's generally far gentler on your credit than a foreclosure, with a shorter wait before you can buy again.

Compare every option

Being underwater isn't a moral failing — it's a market problem with a process to solve it. A short sale lets you sell, satisfy the lender, and walk away with far less damage than a foreclosure.

Paths forward

Your options

More than one way through this — here's what fits situations like yours.

Short sale with lender negotiation

The core path — I handle the lender, the paperwork, and the buyer.

A normal sale instead

If you actually have equity, this nets you more — I'll check first.

A fast cash sale

For speed, if the home and timeline qualify.

Learn more

The process

How I help

  1. 01

    We document your hardship and confirm you're a short-sale candidate.

  2. 02

    I handle the lender negotiation and the paperwork.

  3. 03

    We market the home and find a buyer at fair value.

  4. 04

    The lender approves and we close — often with the lender covering costs.

Straight talk

What to keep in mind

  • You'll need to document a genuine hardship.
  • Forgiven debt can have tax implications — talk to a CPA; I coordinate.
  • It's usually far gentler on your credit than foreclosure, and you can often buy again sooner.
  • In most short sales the seller pays nothing — the lender covers commissions and fees.
Homes sold
175+Homes sold
In closed sales
$54M+In closed sales
Texas markets served
2Texas markets served
Counties served today
6Counties served today

A real track record across Greater Houston — and an honest read on your situation before you decide anything.

Questions, answered

Frequently asked questions

In most cases, nothing out of pocket — the lender typically covers the commission and closing costs as part of approving the sale.

See if a short sale is your way out

Tell me what you owe and what's going onI'll tell you honestly whether a short sale fits.

Call (832) 709-2540

Whatever you're facing, you don't have to figure it out alone.

A private, no-pressure conversation is all it takes.

Call (832) 709-2540

Prefer to set a time and talk privately?

Schedule time with Allen

Allen Markel, REALTOR® · Texas Premier Realty · TREC #0658294