Why VA Short Sales Can Actually Be Faster Than You Think
When most agents hear *VA short sale*, their shoulders tense up. The common belief is that short sales involving Veterans Affairs–backed loans drag on for months, filled with red tape, endless reviews, and frustrated buyers walking away before closing.
Here’s the truth: VA short sales don’t have to be slow. In fact, with the right preparation and a clear understanding of the process, they can often move more quickly than FHA or even conventional short sales.
At Crisp Short Sales, we’ve seen firsthand that when the right steps are taken, VA short sales can close smoothly — sometimes faster than expected. Let’s break down why.
1. VA Has Clear Guidelines on 1. VA Has Clear Guidelines on Net Proceeds
Unlike some investors that adjust net requirements deal by deal, VA short sales have a standard minimum net return: 84.05% of the offer price. That number may look intimidating at first, but here’s the upside — it’s predictable. Agents and negotiators don’t have to wonder what the investor might demand. If you structure the HUD correctly from the start, you’re already halfway to approval.
Compare this with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac short sales, where guidelines can fluctuate or get bogged down in back-and-forth. VA’s clear math often saves weeks of guesswork.
2. Relocation Assistance Is Built In
A key advantage of VA loans is that they include relocation assistance for the homeowner. VA short sale guidelines allow sellers to qualify for funds to help with moving expenses, making the process less stressful. When a seller knows they’ll have money available for relocation at closing, they’re more likely to cooperate quickly and avoid delays. This built-in support is unique to VA, and it helps keep the short sale moving on schedule.
3. VA’s Valuation Process Is Streamlined
Most short sale delays come down to property valuation. The BPO or appraisal sets the tone for everything else. VA uses clear valuation standards and is generally more receptive to disputes when you present legitimate comparables, repair estimates or documentation. This responsiveness can shave weeks off the process compared to other investors.
4. Lenders Want These Files Closed
Servicers handling VA short sales know the rules and aren’t reinventing the wheel with every new file. That consistency means less fumbling, fewer “let me check” delays, and a smoother timeline. At Crisp, we work directly with lender short sale departments, preparing every document so there’s no room for stall tactics. The more airtight the submission, the faster the approval.
5. The Buyer’s Experience Can Be Better
Buyers are more likely to stick with a VA short sale because they can trust the timeline. When you tell a buyer that a VA short sale typically takes 60–90 days instead of the “could be 3 months, could be 9” uncertainty of other investor programs, they’re less likely to walk away. That certainty is a huge advantage and reflects positively on you as the agent.
Final Thoughts
Yes, short sales always require patience and precision. But VA short sales don’t deserve their bad reputation for being slow. With clear net requirements, built‑in relocation help, and a lender playbook that’s both consistent and flexible, VA short sales can often move faster than other types.
The key is preparation. If you’re an agent working on a VA short sale, don’t go it alone. Having an experienced negotiator on your side ensures the file is structured correctly, the valuation is handled strategically, and the lender gets exactly what they need the first time. At Crisp Short Sales we specialize in taking that workload off your plate so you can focus on selling homes and serving your clients.