Lender Approval Clause
Specifies that the sale is conditional on the lender’s written approval to accept less than the outstanding mortgage balance and describes acceptable forms of lender approval.
Using a short sale addendum clarifies expectations for buyer, seller, and lender; it preserves the purchase agreement while making closing conditional on lender approval and defines timing, documentation duties, and potential outcomes if the lender denies the short sale.
The addendum is most relevant to buyers, sellers in negative equity, listing brokers, and lenders involved in a short-sale negotiation.
Listing agent or seller signs to confirm disclosure of mortgage status and authorizes delivery of required payoff statements and hardship documentation to the lender; responsible for timely responses to lender requests and coordinating payoff distribution at closing.
Buyer acknowledges the purchase is conditional on lender short-sale approval, accepts possible extended closing timelines, and agrees to any lender-required addenda or payoff instructions if approval is obtained.
Specifies that the sale is conditional on the lender’s written approval to accept less than the outstanding mortgage balance and describes acceptable forms of lender approval.
Itemizes documents the seller must provide (payoff statements, hardship letter, tax returns, HOA statements) and deadlines for delivery to the lender and buyer.
States the period for lender review and the addendum’s expiration date, including any extension mechanisms and notice obligations.
Explains how proceeds will be applied, what happens to deficiency claims, and whether seller or buyer will sign lender-required documents at closing.
Identifies which party pays fees like short-sale negotiation charges, title or recording fees, and any escrow adjustments related to the short sale.
Defines buyer options if lender denies approval—e.g., contract termination, deposit return, or acceptance of modified terms recommended by the lender.
Use secure PDFs or DOCX versions when preparing the addendum and confirm the lender accepts electronic copies or eSignatures.
Buyer and seller execute purchase agreement and addendum immediately.
Seller forwards short-sale package after signatures; timing driven by servicer.
Commonly 30–90 days for short-sale review; actual timing varies by servicer.
Include a firm expiration date or automatic termination if lender denies approval.
Set tentative closing but mark as contingent on lender approval.
Party signatures complete and documents prepared for lender submission.
Seller submits hardship letter, payoffs, and required documentation to servicer.
Servicer issues approval, denial, or conditional counteroffer in writing.
Sale closes per lender instructions or contract terminates per contingency.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
A listing broker prepared an addendum and hardship package
An investor buyer signed a purchase agreement with a short-sale addendum