This document discusses short sales as an alternative to foreclosure for homeowners who have defaulted on their mortgage. A short sale occurs when a lender agrees to accept less than the full amount owed on the mortgage in order to liquidate the non-performing asset. While a short sale is preferable to foreclosure for the lender due to significant costs, it also has consequences for the homeowner such as deficiency judgments, notes, tax implications, and negative credit reporting. An experienced professional should handle the complex short sale process.