I still get this question all the time — usually from someone who went through a short sale years ago and assumes they’re permanently locked out of buying again. They’re not. The wait period depends entirely on which loan program you use, and for some buyers it’s shorter than they think.

Short sales aren’t just a leftover from the 2008–2012 housing crisis, either. I still see them today — usually tied to divorce, job loss, or a medical hardship rather than a market crash. Whatever the reason behind yours, here’s where things stand for Washington State buyers in 2026. [Read more…]