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

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.

Foreclosure Timeline, Explained: What Happens After a Notice of Default and What To Do Now

Sep 30, 2025

Understand the foreclosure timeline to take control after a Notice of Default. Learn your options and deadlines to navigate the process effectively.

Earnest Money in Short Sales: How It Works, When It’s At Risk, and How to Protect It

Sep 30, 2025

Understand earnest money in short sales: how it works, when it's at risk, and how to protect your deposit with strategic structuring and clear contracts.

Colorado Playbook: Denver Inventory Surge and Timeline Risk

Sep 30, 2025

This post provides a comprehensive guide on managing Denver's inventory surge, offering actionable strategies for sellers and agents to optimize pricing, positioning, and contract terms to mitigate risks and ensure successful transactions in a competitive market.

VA Lending Rebound (Gen Z Leads): Pairing Assumptions, Mods, and Compromise Sales

Sep 30, 2025

Gen Z veterans are boosting VA lending, creating options for homeowners through loan assumptions, modifications, and compromise sales. Learn how to leverage these tools effectively.

Missed a Mortgage Payment? Your First 60 Days Explained

Sep 30, 2025

Missed a mortgage payment? This guide explains your first 60 days, detailing steps to stabilize your finances, communicate with your servicer, and choose the best repayment option.

Florida Playbook: Inventory Spikes, Insurance Shocks, and Fast Decisions

Sep 30, 2025

Navigate Florida's housing market with our guide on inventory spikes, insurance shocks, and HOA assessments. Learn key strategies to protect equity and sell quickly.

California Defaults 101. Notice of Default vs Notice of Trustee’s Sale

Sep 30, 2025

Learn about California Defaults and the differences between Notice of Default and Notice of Trustee’s Sale. Understand the timeline and options available during foreclosure to protect your rights.