How does a homeowner qualify for a short sale? Since banks must approve a short sale, the requirements to qualify for a Short Sale vary. In general, the homeowner needs to prove that they are experiencing an acceptable hardship. To determine the exact requirements, one must speak with the appropriate person at the bank. This is best done by an experienced Short Sale Real Estate Broker who specializes in short sales and can qualify you for a hardship before the lender does. A Real Estate Broker who specializes in short sales acts as a middle man between the homeowner and the lender to ensure that all parties work together toward a successful solution. What is hardship? A hardship is a life changing situation that affects the borrower dramatically & results in an inability to pay the mortgage debt. Some examples of hardship include: · Separation or Divorce · Medical Bills · Inability to work due to health reasons or illness..................