While lenders have become more lenient in recent times, there are typically three qualifications required for a short sale.

1. Financial Insolvency (no other major assets),
2. The proceeds from the sale of the property, after all closing costs are paid, are less than the amount currently owed on the property, and
3. Financial hardship. Acceptable hardships may vary, but some common ones are; loss of income or employment, divorce or separation, relocation or job transfer, property in need of repairs without recourses to make repairs, major illness and medical expenses, death of a family member, vacant rental properties, etc. In most cases, a short sale is not for those who want to sell, but only for those that have to sell.