A short sale is a settlement that has been negotiated between a lender and a borrower that frequently occurs when the borrower owes more on their mortgage than the current market value of the property. In a short sale, the lender agrees to accept an amount that is less than what is owed on the loan. This may be a way to avoid foreclosure. The lender agrees to the lesser amount, and writes off the remaining balance, allowing the seller to then walk away free and clear. A short sale lawyer should be consulted before agreeing to a short sale. A short sale lawyer will review the short sale agreement and offer legal advice on how best to proceed. Having a short sale agreement reviewed by a short sale lawyer will help a person avoid any potential complications down the line.