Jul 29, 2025
How One Homeowner Used a Short Sale to Avoid Foreclosure
What They Were Struggling With
When Mark R., a small business owner from Arizona, fell behind on his mortgage payments, he wasn’t sure what to do. A few slow months in his landscaping business had put him in a financial hole, and the bank had already started sending foreclosure warnings.
"I felt like I was drowning," Mark said. "I kept asking myself, 'Is a short sale better than a foreclosure?' but I didn’t even know where to start."
If you’re wondering the same thing, this article breaks down how each impacts your credit.
Like many homeowners in distress, Mark had heard the term "short sale" before, but didn’t understand how it worked, or if it could help him.
Their Journey to a Solution
Mark started Googling things like "what happens if I can’t pay my mortgage" and "short sale vs foreclosure credit impact." He found plenty of confusing articles and conflicting advice. Some warned about scams, others were full of legal terms he didn’t understand.
Then he came across the Short Sale Advisor from Goat Answer. It promised a free, AI-powered analysis to help homeowners determine if a short sale was a viable option for them.
"I was skeptical at first," Mark admitted. "But it was free, and I felt stuck. I figured I had nothing to lose."
Using Short Sale Advisor for the First Time
Mark answered a few questions about his loan balance, home value, income, and how far behind he was on payments. Within minutes, the tool gave him a clear breakdown:
Yes, he was likely eligible for a short sale
What documents he’d need to gather
How the process typically works
And what to expect in terms of short sale approval
"It was the first time I felt like I had a roadmap," he said. "It didn’t promise miracles, but it gave me next steps I could follow."
Mark also avoided common short sale mistakes that trip up many first-timers.
He printed out the checklist, called a recommended real estate agent who specialized in short sales, and got the ball rolling.
The Results: Relief and a Path Forward
Within four months, Mark's short sale was approved. The lender agreed to settle the debt for less than what he owed, and he avoided foreclosure.
The credit impact? Mark said it still affected his score, but not nearly as severely as a foreclosure would have.
Avoided foreclosure and the seven-year hit to his credit
Began rebuilding his credit within a year
Didn’t owe the remaining balance thanks to lender approval
"It wasn’t easy, but it was way better than the alternative," Mark said. "Without that tool, I might have frozen in place and lost everything."
Their Advice to Others
Mark's most significant piece of advice: don’t wait.
"If you're asking whether a short sale is better than a foreclosure, you’re already on the right track. Use the Short Sale Advisor. Even if you don’t go that route, it’ll help you understand your options."
He also emphasized the emotional relief: "Just knowing there was a plan made everything feel more manageable."
Ready to Try It Yourself?
If you’re behind on your mortgage and unsure what to do next, the Short Sale Advisor can help you make sense of your situation. It’s free, judgment-free, and designed to give you straight answers, fast.