How long a short sale takes in Florida in 2026: A Florida short sale often takes about three to six months from listing to closing, because the lender must review the hardship package, order a valuation, and approve the price, and a second mortgage adds time. Approval is never guaranteed. A HUD-approved housing counselor offers free advice. Ray and Kelly Nadeau of Certainly Sold handle short sales. Call (407) 544-4704.
By Ray Nadeau · Licensed Florida Broker BK3344407 | Kelly Nadeau · Licensed Florida Broker BK3344334 · Certainly Sold · Last updated: October 22, 2026
| Stage | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Listing to accepted offer | Varies by pricing and market — often within the first month or so |
| Lender's initial review | 30-60 days |
| Valuation (BPO or appraisal) | Part of the review window above |
| Negotiation over terms | 2-4 weeks |
| Written approval letter to closing | 30-45 days |
| Total, typical case | 3-6 months |
Based on multiple current Florida-specific sources, the honest range is 3 to 6 months for most straightforward short sales, with some running as long as 8-9 months when multiple lien holders or a complex loan situation are involved. Here's where the time actually goes.
Finding a buyer is usually the fastest part — once a home is priced correctly, it's not unusual to have an accepted offer within the first month.
The lender's initial review is where most of the timeline lives. After your agent submits the short sale package — purchase agreement, hardship documentation, buyer's proof of funds — the lender typically takes 30 to 60 days just to review it, order their own valuation, and assign a negotiator. This step alone often takes as long as everything else combined.
Negotiation over price and terms with the lender commonly runs another 2 to 4 weeks once their valuation is in hand.
Closing typically happens within 30 to 45 days of a written approval letter — approval letters generally expire in that same window, so once you have one, everyone needs to move.
The lender's own review and valuation process — not the buyer, and usually not the paperwork itself, assuming it's submitted complete the first time.
Occasionally, if the lender is responsive and there's only one lien holder — but treat that as the exception, not something to plan around.
Yes — each lien holder has to separately review and approve, which is the main reason some short sales stretch toward 8-9 months.
This page is for general educational purposes and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed Florida attorney or a free HUD-approved housing counselor.
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Mortgage financing services are offered through Equity Smart Home Loans, CA NMLS #856170, DRE #01906808, 1499 Huntington Dr Suite 500, South Pasadena, CA 91030 (Florida license MBR-2341). Ray Nadeau, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1027617. All loan programs, terms, eligibility and approvals are subject to borrower qualification, property qualification, underwriting guidelines, condominium project requirements, lender requirements, and program availability. Not all borrowers, properties, or condominium projects will qualify. Nothing on this website constitutes a commitment to lend or a guarantee of financing.
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