question about short sales

Hi David-
I've been doing a lot of research and study on short sales recently and my assumption is that when it says "short sale approved" there is a dollar amount given that will be accepted but that isn't necessarily the price you see listed. That price you see most likely includes all closing costs, commissions etc plus the amount the bank has approved. Banks usually have a "net amount" that they want after all costs are paid and I imagine that's not the amount usually given on the listing. It wouldn't make sense otherwise. In other words, you still may have room to negotiate the commission of the listing agent and a lower offer. A bank may still take a lower offer if there hasn't been any action on the property.

And I presume the 50/50 commission split refers to what the agent is offering other agents who bring a buyer to the deal. That % amount is usually determined by the lender...they usually don't approve a full standard commission as they want to make as much as possible by keeping the costs of the short sale low.

I hope this helps. Keep in mind that this is an opinion and my assumption of what the ad you have means.

Best of success to you.

Kenny

so what your staying is that I can still lowball just not too much?

and if i call seller directly without my agent she will split commission with me?

You should always make an offer lower than what's asked for. And you should always only make an offer that makes sense...you have to be able to make money.

And in regards to the commission...what they are offering is to split the allowed commission by the lender with another real estate agent.