If your mother does a short sale on her home and closes escrow on it, there is a possibility in some states in this country that the lender may seek the deficiency on the loan as a result of the short sale. California is an exception. In California if there is a short sale and the lender takes any money from the sale, the lender is precluded for suing the seller for any deficiency.I suggest that the short sale agreement spell out that the lender cannot sue your mother for any deficiency in the event of a successful sale. I recommend that your mother consult with a real estate attorney before the short sale closes to protect her interests.