--- title: Selling an Underwater Home in MD, DC and VA | Real Estate Search and Sale description: Owe more than your home is worth? Sale options for underwater homes across Maryland, DC and Virginia, including short sales. Call 202-630-5070. image: https://real-estate-search-and-sale.com/hubfs/RESS%20Logo%20blue.png --- [![Real Estate Search and Sale, LLC Luxury Home Sales](https://real-estate-search-and-sale.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RESS%20Logo%20blue.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=RESS%20Logo%20blue.png "Real Estate Search and Sale, LLC Luxury Home Sales")](https://real-estate-search-and-sale.com/?hsLang=en) # Selling a Home With an Underwater Mortgage in Gaithersburg, Columbia, Washington DC and Alexandria When you owe more than your home is worth, selling takes more planning. Real Estate Search and Sale, LLC helps owners of underwater homes across Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, West Virginia and Florida look at their sale options and move forward. [Call Our 24-Hour Desk: 202-630-5070](tel:+12026305070) ## Common Paths for Underwater Homeowners - Bringing funds to closing to cover the shortfall - A short sale, where the lender agrees to accept less than the payoff - Renting the home until values or the loan balance change - Discussing a loan modification or other options with your servicer ## How We Help With a Short Sale 1. **Reviewing the numbers.** We prepare a market analysis so you can see the likely gap. 2. **Assembling the package.** We help you gather the financial documents, hardship letter and listing materials the lender asks for. 3. **Facilitating the process.** We order payoffs and communicate and follow up with every lienholder through closing. Negotiation of terms remains with you or your representative. 4. **Marketing and closing.** We market the home, present offers, and coordinate with the title company. Short sales require lender approval and are not guaranteed. A short sale may have tax or deficiency consequences. We don't provide legal, tax or financial advice; please consult an attorney, tax professional or HUD-approved housing counselor about your situation. ## Frequently Asked Questions **What is a short sale?** A sale where the lender agrees to accept less than the full loan payoff. It requires lender approval and isn't guaranteed. **Who negotiates with my lender?** Negotiation of terms remains with you or your representative. We facilitate the process: documents, payoffs, communication and follow-up. **Could I owe money after a short sale?** Possibly. Deficiency and tax questions depend on your loan and state law, so please consult an attorney and a tax professional. **How long does a short sale take?** It varies with the lender and the number of liens. We keep the process moving and give you regular updates. **Can I get references?** Yes. We provide a list of client and professional references on request. ### Related Services - [Short Sales and Options for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure](https://real-estate-search-and-sale.com/short-sale-expert-distressed-property?hsLang=en) - [Pre-Foreclosure Options](https://real-estate-search-and-sale.com/pre-foreclosure-options?hsLang=en) - [Selling a House With Liens](https://real-estate-search-and-sale.com/sell-house-with-liens?hsLang=en) ## Places Nearby We work with clients in communities near places like these: - **Kentlands, Gaithersburg MD**: a walkable neighborhood centered on Kentlands Market Square - **Columbia MD**: Lake Kittamaqundi and Merriweather Post Pavilion - **Navy Yard and Capitol Riverfront, Washington DC**: the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and Nationals Park - **Del Ray, Alexandria VA**: the shops and cafes of Mount Vernon Avenue ### Tell Us About Your Situation [Call Our 24-Hour Desk: 202-630-5070](tel:+12026305070) ## A Vast Network of Service Providers Over more than 20 years we have built a vast network of trusted service providers: cleanout and junk removal crews, estate-sale companies, contractors, painters, cleaners, stagers, locksmiths, movers, storage, title companies and mobile notaries. One point of contact coordinates the work, and some providers may be able to wait until closing to be paid. You are always free to choose your own providers. We don't accept payments or referral fees from service providers. ## References Available on Request We will gladly provide a list of client and professional references on request. ## Talk With Us Confidentially Call our 24-Hour Appointment Desk at [202-630-5070](tel:+12026305070), any time, day or night. [Call Our 24-Hour Desk: 202-630-5070](tel:+12026305070) **Carolyn Thompson, Broker** Real Estate Search and Sale, LLC 1300 Piccard Drive, Suite 204, Rockville, MD 20850 800 Park Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060 24-Hour Appointment Desk: [202-630-5070](tel:+12026305070) Licensed in MD • DC • VA • WV • FL ![Equal Housing Opportunity](https://real-estate-search-and-sale.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Equal%20Housing%20Opportunity%20Red.png?width=96&height=48&name=Equal%20Housing%20Opportunity%20Red.png) Copyright © 2026, Real Estate Search and Sale, LLC Copyright © 2026, Real Estate Search and Sale, LLC ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "A sale where the lender agrees to accept less than the full loan payoff. 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