Short Sales vs Foreclosure

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I’m Haley — and I’m SFR® Certified to Help You Navigate the Tough Stuff in Real Estate

Hey there — I’m Haley Sutter, a full-time Realtor, Amarillo native, and someone who believes real estate should never feel overwhelming, even when life gets complicated. I’ve helped over 300 families buy and sell homes, and recently, I took a step further by earning my SFR® (Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource) designation.

So what does that mean—and why should it matter to you?

It means I’ve gone through specialized training to support people facing financial hardship and uncertainty in their housing situation. Whether you're behind on mortgage payments, facing foreclosure, or just exploring your options, I now have even more tools to help guide you through the process with clarity and care.

Understanding Short Sales & Foreclosures in Texas

If you’re unfamiliar with what a short sale or foreclosure actually involves, here’s a quick breakdown:

  • A short sale happens when a homeowner owes more on their mortgage than the home is worth—and the lender agrees to let the property sell for less than what’s owed.

  • A foreclosure is the legal process where the lender takes back the property due to missed payments.

Now here’s where Texas is unique:
Texas is a non-judicial foreclosure state, which means lenders don’t have to go through the court system to foreclose on a home. In some cases, the entire foreclosure process can move forward in as little as 30 days once the lender starts the official process. That’s fast—and for many homeowners, it can feel overwhelming.

A Short Sale Isn’t Automatic — It Requires Real Hardship

It’s important to know that you can’t just decide to do a short sale. You must meet specific criteria and provide documentation of a legitimate financial hardship. This might include:

  • Loss of income or job

  • Divorce or separation

  • Medical expenses

  • Death of a spouse

  • Unexpected relocation

The lender will also require financial paperwork and evidence that the home is being sold for fair market value. It’s a detailed process—and without an experienced agent guiding you through, it can feel like an uphill battle.

That’s why I pursued this designation. I’ve seen how stressful and emotional these situations can be, and I want to offer real help—not judgment, not pressure, just honest support and expert guidance.

You Deserve Options

If you or someone you care about is falling behind on mortgage payments, don’t wait until foreclosure notices start arriving. The sooner you start the conversation, the more options you’ll have—whether it’s a short sale, a cash offer, or exploring programs that might allow you to stay in your home.

No matter where you are in the process, I’m here to help you understand your rights, your timeline, and your next best step.

Confidential consultations are always available.

Ready to Work with Haley Sutter?

Choosing the right realtor in Amarillo is a crucial step toward achieving your real estate goals. Contact Sold By Haley today to get started on selling your property with confidence and ease.

📲 Call or text me anytime if you have questions or need a safe space to talk options.