The Default Digest Blog

Articles, playbooks, and case notes on REO, short sales, and auction strategies. Stay current with training insights and practical systems for distressed opportunities.

Featured Posts

How Long Does Foreclosure Take? Judicial vs. Non‑Judicial Timelines, State by State

Sep 30, 2025

Learn how long foreclosure takes with our guide on judicial vs. non-judicial timelines. Understand key milestones and actions to protect your options effectively.

Sellers in Panic Mode. How To Respond If You Are Already Behind

Sep 30, 2025

If you're behind on your mortgage, this guide offers a clear action plan to regain control, with steps to assess your situation, choose a direction, and execute promptly.

Analyzing Market Conditions for Distressed Property Investments

Sep 30, 2025

Discover how to analyze market conditions for distressed property investments, identify opportunities, and avoid common pitfalls to make informed decisions in real estate.

How to Handle Offers on Short Sales: Primary, Backups, and Earnest Money

Sep 30, 2025

Learn how to handle offers on short sales effectively. This guide covers strategies for primary buyers, backup offers, and earnest money to protect your clients and streamline the process.

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure: Which Path is Right for Your Situation?

Sep 30, 2025

Explore the differences between short sales and foreclosures to determine the best option for your financial situation, protecting your credit and future home buying prospects.

Short Sales 101: A Beginner's Guide

Sep 30, 2025

Learn what a short sale is and how it can help homeowners facing financial hardship avoid foreclosure while providing buyers with unique opportunities for discounted properties.

The Best Resources for Real Estate Targeted Mailing Lists in 2025

Sep 30, 2025

Discover the best resources for real estate targeted mailing lists in 2025. Enhance your marketing strategy with effective tools that maximize ROI and reach the right audience.

The Short Sale Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Real Estate Professionals

Sep 30, 2025

Discover the short sale process with this step-by-step guide for real estate professionals. Learn how to navigate paperwork, avoid mistakes, and manage timelines effectively.

What Is a Short Sale? Plain English Guide, Process, Pros and Cons

Sep 30, 2025

Learn what a short sale is and how it can help you avoid foreclosure. This guide covers the process, benefits, and potential pitfalls to ensure a smooth transaction.

What Is an REO Property? How Homes Become Bank Owned and How To Buy One

Sep 30, 2025

Learn what an REO property is and how to buy one confidently. This guide covers the buying process, financing options, and tips for finding great deals on bank-owned homes.

7 Major Deal Killers in Short Sales and How to Prevent Them

Sep 30, 2025

Discover the seven major deal killers in short sales and learn effective prevention strategies to enhance your success and assist distressed homeowners in avoiding foreclosure.

Deficiency Judgments in Short Sales: What Homeowners Need to Know

Sep 30, 2025

Learn about deficiency judgments in short sales and discover how to minimize or eliminate the risk of owing money after a sale. This guide provides essential steps for homeowners.

Essential Questions to Ask Before Making an Offer on a Short Sale

Sep 30, 2025

Before making an offer on a short sale, ask essential questions to ensure a thorough understanding of the process, increasing your chances of a successful purchase.

FHA Short Sales: A Step-by-Step Guide for Real Estate Professionals

Sep 30, 2025

Navigate FHA short sales successfully with our step-by-step guide, helping real estate professionals assist homeowners in avoiding foreclosure while minimizing financial loss.

FHA Short Sales: Benefits and Challenges for Homeowners

Sep 30, 2025

Explore FHA short sales to mitigate financial hardship and avoid foreclosure. Learn about benefits like credit protection and relocation assistance to regain stability.

FHA vs VA Short Sales: Agent Playbook for Faster Approvals

Sep 30, 2025

Learn how to navigate FHA vs. VA short sales effectively. This agent playbook provides essential tips for faster approvals, ensuring smooth transactions within 45-120 days.

Managing Earnest Money in Short Sales: What Buyers Need to Know

Sep 30, 2025

Learn how to manage earnest money effectively in short sales to protect your deposit. Understand key contingencies and best practices to minimize financial risks.

Short Sale Cash Incentives: How to Get Paid to Move at Closing

Sep 30, 2025

Discover how short sale cash incentives can help you receive relocation assistance at closing, providing financial support during your transition to new housing.

VA Compromise Sales: The Hidden Advantages for Military Homeowners

Sep 30, 2025

Discover the advantages of VA Compromise Sales for military homeowners facing financial hardship. Learn how to preserve VA loan entitlement and avoid foreclosure effectively.


Posts

What Is a Short Sale? Plain English Guide, Process, Pros and Cons

Sep 30, 2025

Learn what a short sale is and how it can help you avoid foreclosure. This guide covers the process, benefits, and potential pitfalls to ensure a smooth transaction.

VA Loan Assumptions: A Hidden Opportunity for Homebuyers

Sep 30, 2025

Discover the benefits of VA loan assumptions, allowing buyers to take over existing loans for lower rates and payments, making homeownership more accessible.

The Short Sale Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Real Estate Professionals

Sep 30, 2025

Discover the short sale process with this step-by-step guide for real estate professionals. Learn how to navigate paperwork, avoid mistakes, and manage timelines effectively.

The Best Resources for Real Estate Targeted Mailing Lists in 2025

Sep 30, 2025

Discover the best resources for real estate targeted mailing lists in 2025. Enhance your marketing strategy with effective tools that maximize ROI and reach the right audience.

Short Sales 101: A Beginner's Guide

Sep 30, 2025

Learn what a short sale is and how it can help homeowners facing financial hardship avoid foreclosure while providing buyers with unique opportunities for discounted properties.

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure: Which Path is Right for Your Situation?

Sep 30, 2025

Explore the differences between short sales and foreclosures to determine the best option for your financial situation, protecting your credit and future home buying prospects.

How to Handle Offers on Short Sales: Primary, Backups, and Earnest Money

Sep 30, 2025

Learn how to handle offers on short sales effectively. This guide covers strategies for primary buyers, backup offers, and earnest money to protect your clients and streamline the process.

Analyzing Market Conditions for Distressed Property Investments

Sep 30, 2025

Discover how to analyze market conditions for distressed property investments, identify opportunities, and avoid common pitfalls to make informed decisions in real estate.

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure vs. Deed in Lieu: Which Path Fits Your Situation

Sep 30, 2025

Explore the differences between a short sale, foreclosure, and deed in lieu to find the best path for your financial situation, helping you regain control and minimize credit damage.

Short Sale or Loan Modification? A Simple Decision Flow That Works

Sep 30, 2025

Discover how to decide between a short sale and loan modification with our simple decision flow. Get clarity on income, equity, and legal timelines to take control of your situation.

Sellers in Panic Mode. How To Respond If You Are Already Behind

Sep 30, 2025

If you're behind on your mortgage, this guide offers a clear action plan to regain control, with steps to assess your situation, choose a direction, and execute promptly.

Second Liens and HELOCs in Short Sales: How to Get to Yes

Sep 30, 2025

Discover how to navigate second liens and HELOCs in short sales effectively. Learn strategies to secure approvals and achieve the best recovery for all parties involved.