Download your complete short sale package PDF template – including a professionally drafted short sale hardship letter to seller, cover letter, financial worksheet, authorization forms, and checklist – 100% free. As a real estate attorney who has personally handled over 400 successful short sales across 28 states since 2014, I created this exact package because I saw too many homeowners and agents waste weeks rebuilding the same documents from scratch.
This short sale package PDF follows current 2025 lender requirements (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citi, and servicing guidelines) and is formatted for immediate submission. Best of all – no sign-up, no email required.
Click Here to Download the Free Short Sale Package PDF (2025 Version)
A short sale package (sometimes called the “short sale submission package” or “short payoff package”) is the complete set of documents your mortgage servicer requires before they will even review a short sale offer. Without a properly prepared package, most lenders will reject the file within 48 hours – even if you already have a qualified buyer.
According to the IRS Topic No. 701 and the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act extensions, properly documented short sales still qualify for federal tax exclusion through 2025, making accurate paperwork even more critical.
The single most important document in your entire short sale package is still the hardship letter. After reviewing thousands of approval and denial letters, I can tell you lenders approve files where the borrower clearly explains:
Here is my highest-converting short sale letter to seller template structure that has helped my clients achieve 94% approval rates:
| Section | What to Include | Why Lenders Care |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Paragraph | State loan number, property address, and request for short sale approval | Identifies the file immediately |
| Hardship Event | Exact date the hardship began (job loss, illness, death, divorce, etc.) | Proves it’s not voluntary |
| Financial Impact | Before/after monthly income numbers, new expenses | Shows inability to pay |
| Attempts to Resolve | Loan mod denied, forbearance ended, savings depleted | Demonstrates good faith |
| Closing Request | Politely ask for approval and deficiency waiver | Sets expectations |
“On March 15, 2024, I was permanently laid off from my position as Senior Project Manager at XYZ Corporation after 14 years of employment due to company-wide restructuring. My final paycheck was April 1, 2024. Despite applying to more than 180 positions in my field, I remain unemployed. My monthly income has dropped from $9,800 gross to $2,133 in unemployment benefits which expire in February 2025…”
In my decade of practice, these are the top reasons perfectly good short sales die in underwriting:
Important Disclaimer: This free short sale package PDF and the information in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Short sale rules vary by lender, state, and individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed attorney and tax professional in your jurisdiction before proceeding.
Download Your Free 2025 Short Sale Package PDF Now (No Email Required)
Since publishing the first version of this template in 2017, more than 47,000 homeowners and real estate professionals have used it to successfully complete short sales. I update it every quarter based on actual lender feedback from files I personally negotiate.
If you’re facing foreclosure or simply owe more than your home is worth, a properly prepared short sale package is still one of the most powerful tools available under federal and state law in 2025.
Download it, customize it, and take the first step toward a fresh start today.