A lender will often consider a short sale because the cost and
risk of foreclosure is so high. In order to accept a short sale, a lender will
need justification. Justification might mean a substantial loss of income that
would prevent you from paying the mortgage and therefore being forced in a
position to sell the home. Another justification might be that the house is
simply worth less than what you owe, and you cannot afford to continue making
payments.