Sale and payoff estimate
Liens, cash, and waiver
This calculator does not determine eligibility, stop foreclosure, release liens, waive deficiency rights, or resolve tax treatment. Confirm every material term in writing.
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Methodology notes
Net proceeds
The calculator subtracts agent commission, percentage sale costs, and flat closing costs from the estimated sale price before applying proceeds to liens.
Payoff need
First mortgage payoff, arrears, advances, fees, and junior liens are added to estimate the total amount that would be needed to pay liens in full.
Deficiency and cash
The shortfall is reduced by modeled seller contribution and then by any entered written waiver amount. Relocation cash gap is calculated after contribution pressure.
Results are estimates for educational purposes only and are not financial, legal, tax, credit, foreclosure, or real estate advice. Written short-sale approvals, lien releases, settlement statements, tax documents, mortgage documents, court orders, and applicable law control. See full disclosure.
Important caveats
- Lender approval is discretionary and may require a hardship package, arm's-length affidavit, broker price opinion, appraisal, investor approval, mortgage insurer approval, or updated financials.
- A lien release is not always the same as a deficiency waiver. Deficiency judgments and collection rights depend on the written terms and applicable state law.
- Junior lienholders may negotiate separately and can delay or block closing if their payoff, release, contribution, or deficiency language is unresolved.
- Forgiven debt can have tax consequences. Insolvency, principal residence exclusions, state treatment, and current law can change the result.
- A short sale can affect credit and may not pause foreclosure timelines unless the servicer or court process confirms it in writing.
- Some programs offer relocation assistance, but the amount, timing, eligibility, and offset against seller contributions must be confirmed in writing.
Short sale FAQ
Is cash needed to close always due?
No. This estimate shows the remaining gap if liens had to be paid in full. A short sale approval may accept less, require a contribution, waive a deficiency, or leave a deficiency.
Should I include missed payments?
Yes. Add past-due interest, escrow advances, late fees, property inspection fees, legal fees, and other servicer advances if they are part of the payoff demand.
What if there is relocation assistance?
Enter moving costs normally, then compare the result with the written relocation assistance terms. Confirm whether assistance is paid at closing and whether it reduces any seller contribution.