Listing it as a short sale (which at $600 K it was below the loan amount) creates extra attention for “bargain” shoppers. It got your attention didn’t it ?
There are costs to selling. Including commission, escrow fees, termite work, etc, this can easily be 6-7% of the price on a house at this price range. In this example, at 650K if these costs exceed are about 4.7% or less then no short sale is needed.
I would focus on house for the price, not whether it’s a short sale, pre-foreclosure, etc.
As for not working with a buyers’ agent. If I were you I wouldn’t be looking. I think now is not a great time to buy. If you “have” to buy (spousal pressure, money burning a hole in your pocket, etc) let the spring bounce happen, and look again in the fall. Repeat in 2008 if necessary.
If the house is right and the price is right, then purchasing a short sale might be worth the extra effort at some point. But I wouldn;t go out of my way to find them.
