All of the documentation needed to start a short sale is commonly called a "Short Sale Package" and is usually submitted by the investor interested in the property, the agent representing the seller, or the seller of the property.   The package usually includes the following items:

• Cover Letter
• Authorization to Release Information
• Sellers Hardship Letter
• Seller’s Financial information
• 2 years Federal Tax Forms + Supporting w2’s
• 2 months pay stubs
• 2 months bank statements
• Supporting Hardship Info – HOA liens, medical/disability statements etc.
• Repair Estimate for the property (if repairs would otherwise be needed)
• Comparable sales for the property
• Contract
• Preliminary HUD-1
• First mortgage holder may ask for a payoff amount from the 2nd
• Second mortgage holder may ask for a payoff amount from the 1st
• Lender may ask for an Initial Title Report
• FHA and VA may have their own forms and special requirements as well