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With all that said, short sale transactions are completed every day! Because the lender is likely to take so much time processing your short sale request -- and because time is of the essence -- you must ensure that your short sale request itself is as articulate, thorough and persuasive as possible. Here are some concrete actions you can take to maximize your chances for success.

1. Approach your lender as soon as you think you might need to request a short sale.
   If you are struggling to make your mortgage payments, list your home with a reputable real estate agent as soon as possible. If they advise you that your home is likely to sell for less than you owe on it, immediately contact your lender's "workout" department to request a short sale package. If you can get your lender to indicate how much of your mortgage they are willing to forgive up front, you boost your chances of working with a buyer to create a deal that is a bargain for them, but likely to be accepted by the bank, too.

2. Authorize your real estate agent -- in writing -- to work and to negotiate directly with the lender.
   But make sure to stay on top of the communications between your agent and your lender. Delegate; don't abdicate!

3. Make sure an offer is presented in its best light.
   Make sure your real estate agent includes a cover letter that explains the buyer's qualifications to buy your home, how much down payment money they propose to put in -- anything that might boost the lender's confidence. If the buyer is requesting any closing cost credits, be sure to tell the lender if the buyer is a first-time homebuyer; lenders are more likely to agree to concessions for first-time buyers than for investors.

4. Your lender will request a hardship letter from you.
   Make sure you handwrite it, and present your finances in the worst light. If you lost a job, had an illness or death in the family, are a senior citizen or have any other circumstances then let the lender know! Let them know that you are considering filing bankruptcy, and that this short sale would prevent you from doing that; because bankruptcy stops the foreclosure process cold, the lender would much rather approve your short sale than have you file bankruptcy. Also explain any facts that might make it harder for the bank to resell your house -- anything that makes the bank grateful that someone has made an offer!

5. Make sure your short sale package is impeccably thorough.
   At a minimum, the lender will want to see:

• The offer to purchase your home, including the buyer's preapproval letter;
• Your hardship letter;
• A balance sheet listing your monthly income and expenses;
• Statements from your checking, savings and other asset accounts;
• A net sheet from your real estate agent listing all of the closing costs that must be paid for your short sale to close;
• Supporting documentation, including two months' worth of paycheck stubs and all your bills;
• Your last two federal income tax returns.

GO TO: Foreclosure Guide

Read the Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Foreclosure:

1. Foreclosure is a process, not a thing.
2. The foreclosure process has four phases. The terms and length of each phase vary by state.
3. A difficult financial situation doesn't have to lead to foreclosure.
4. The mortgage lender is not eager to take your house away.
5. You can sell your home immediately when foreclosure is looming.
6. All is not lost once you get a notice of default.
7. A short sale is better than going through foreclosure.
8. Foreclosure has major legal, tax and credit consequences.
9. Buying a foreclosure property doesn't always mean you'll get a bargain.
10. Understanding your mortgage can help you avoid foreclosure.

More on FrontDoor:

• FrontDoor's Top 10 Tips and Advice on Everything Real Estate
• Search Homes for Sale
• First-Time Homebuyer's Guide
• Experienced Homebuyer's Guide
• Home Finance Guide
• Home Seller's Guide
• Tools and Calculators