Short Sales in Orange County

All Active OC Short Sale Listings in One Place, Updated Every 5 Minutes

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Short Sale

Short sales represent a very small and inconsistent slice of the Orange County real estate market. Because OC home values have risen significantly over the past decade, the pool of homeowners who owe more than their home is worth is relatively limited compared to other markets. When short sales do appear, they attract buyers who are looking for value and are willing to navigate a process that is more complex than a standard purchase.

The listings above represent every active short sale in Orange County right now, pulled directly from the MLS every 5 minutes. No third-party delays, no stale data. If a short sale is available in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, or anywhere else in the county, it appears here.

Questions about a specific short sale listing? Call or text: 949-430-7500

How the Short Sale Process Works

Buying a short sale in California involves an additional layer of complexity compared to a traditional purchase. Understanding the process before you make an offer saves time and prevents surprises.

1

Submit Your Offer to the Seller

Your offer is submitted to the seller and their agent in the same way as a standard purchase. The seller accepts, counters, or rejects your offer. Once the seller accepts, the package is submitted to the lender for approval. This step typically takes a few days to a week.

2

Lender Reviews the File

The lender assigns the file to their loss mitigation or short sale department. They order a broker price opinion or appraisal to assess market value, review the seller's hardship documentation, and evaluate the net proceeds from your offer. This is the most time-consuming step and typically takes 30 to 90 days depending on the lender.

3

Lender Approves, Counters, or Rejects

The lender issues a written approval letter, a counter at a higher price, or a rejection. An approval letter specifies the terms under which they will accept the short payoff, including the approved sale price, closing cost contributions, and the deadline by which closing must occur. If they counter, you can accept, negotiate, or walk. If they reject, you can resubmit or move on.

4

Open Escrow and Close

Once the lender approves, escrow opens and the transaction proceeds similarly to a standard sale. Inspections, title review, and financing conditions all apply. The approval letter has an expiration date, so closing must happen within the lender's specified window, typically 30 days from approval. Short sales are almost always sold as-is, so inspection results inform your decision but the seller typically cannot make repairs.

Tips for Buyers Making an Offer on a Short Sale

Offer Near Market Value

The lender will order their own valuation. Offers significantly below market value are routinely rejected. A clean offer at or near market value with strong terms is more likely to be approved quickly than a lowball offer that triggers a counter and adds weeks to the timeline.

Have a Flexible Timeline

Lender approval can take 30 to 90 days or more. Buyers who need to be in a home by a specific date are not well suited for short sale purchases. If your timeline is flexible and you can wait for approval, short sales can be worth pursuing.

Keep Your Financing Current

Your pre-approval can expire during lender review. Work with your lender to keep your financing documentation current throughout the process so you are ready to close quickly once approval comes in. Losing a short sale because your loan commitment expired is a preventable outcome.

Inspect Thoroughly

Short sales are sold as-is. The seller typically cannot make repairs, and in some cases the property has been deferred-maintenance for an extended period. Your inspection contingency is your primary protection. Use it fully and make sure you are comfortable with the property's condition before removing contingencies.

Get Expert Help Navigating a Short Sale

Short sales require an agent who knows how to structure offers the lender will approve, how to stay on top of the lender's timeline, and how to protect your interests in an as-is transaction.

If you have found a short sale listing you want to pursue, or want to be notified when new short sales come to market in your target neighborhoods, we are ready to help.

Are You a Seller Who Owes More Than Your Home Is Worth?

If you are behind on your mortgage or have received a Notice of Default and believe you owe more than your home is currently worth, a short sale may be one of your options, but it is not necessarily the only one, and it may not be the best one for your situation.

Many Orange County homeowners who feel underwater have more equity than they realize, particularly given appreciation over the past several years. Before assuming a short sale is required, the first step is getting an accurate current value of your home and comparing it honestly to what you owe.

Our guide to avoiding foreclosure in Orange County covers the full range of options available to distressed homeowners, including selling on the open market, cash offer sales, loan modification, and short sales, with honest guidance on which path fits which situation.

Read the Foreclosure Avoidance Guide »

Short Sale FAQ

What is a short sale in real estate?

A short sale occurs when a homeowner sells their property for less than the outstanding mortgage balance, and the lender agrees to accept the reduced payoff to release the lien. The term "short" refers to the proceeds falling short of what is owed, not to the timeline. Short sales require lender approval in addition to a standard purchase agreement, which makes them more complex than a traditional sale. In California, short sales are most common when a homeowner is facing financial hardship and owes more on the mortgage than the home is currently worth.

Are short sales a good deal for buyers in Orange County?

Short sales can represent good value for buyers who are patient and prepared, but they are not automatically discounted. The listing price on a short sale is typically set near market value because the lender must approve the sale and will reject offers they consider too low. The potential advantage for buyers is that short sale sellers are highly motivated and the property may be priced to sell quickly once lender approval is obtained. The tradeoff is timeline uncertainty and the risk that the lender rejects the offer or the process takes longer than expected.

How long does a short sale take to close in California?

Short sales in California typically take 60 to 120 days from accepted offer to close, though the timeline can be shorter or longer depending on the lender, the number of liens on the property, and how responsive the seller's loss mitigation team is. The largest variable is lender approval time. Some lenders have streamlined short sale departments that respond within 30 days. Others can take 90 days or more. Buyers purchasing a short sale should have flexible timelines and should not have hard move-in deadlines that cannot accommodate delays.

Can I negotiate the price on a short sale?

Yes, but the negotiation dynamic is different from a traditional sale. In a short sale, your offer goes through two approval layers: the seller accepts it first, then the lender reviews and either approves, counters, or rejects it. The lender will typically order their own broker price opinion or appraisal to determine whether the offer reflects market value. Offers significantly below market value are almost always rejected. The most effective strategy is to submit a well-supported offer at or near market value with clean terms, rather than a lowball offer that triggers a lender counter and extends the timeline.

What are the risks of buying a short sale in Orange County?

The primary risks for short sale buyers are timeline uncertainty, property condition, and deal failure. On timeline, lender approval can take weeks to months and there is no guarantee the lender will approve your specific offer. On condition, short sale properties are sold as-is in most cases, meaning the seller has limited ability to make repairs and you are taking the property in its current state. On deal failure, lenders can reject offers, request higher pricing, or allow the foreclosure to proceed if negotiations stall. Buyers should conduct thorough due diligence during the inspection period and work with an agent experienced in short sale transactions.

Are there short sales available in every Orange County city?

Short sales exist across all Orange County cities but the inventory is typically limited at any given time. Because Orange County home values have appreciated significantly over the past several years, many homeowners who might otherwise be short sale candidates have enough equity to sell through a traditional listing instead. When short sales do appear, they tend to be concentrated in price ranges and neighborhoods where the equity cushion is thinner relative to the original purchase price or refinance balance. The listings at the top of this page represent all currently active short sales across Orange County, updated every 5 minutes from the MLS.

Orange County Short Sale Properties

$900,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PW26150852 MLS ⋅ Coming Soon Status

266 S Citrus, Orange
$5,000,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ OC26146690 MLS ⋅ Active Under Contract Status
Welcome to this truly one-of-a-kind estate in prestigious Orange Park Acres. Perched on a premier horse-property lot, this extraordinary residence offers breathtaking panoramic views that make you feel as though you're standing atop the world. Enjoy a beautifully maintained, lighted tennis court and a unique, innovative backyard hardscape designed for effortless reconfiguration, allowing you to refresh your landscape with minimal cost and maintenance. Designed for exceptional outdoor living, the resort-style backyard features a state-of-the-art entertainment center complete with a massive built-in grill, full bar, serving area, fire pit, saltwater pool, and spa. All of this is perfectly positioned to capture spectacular, unobstructed city-light views, along with nightly Disneyland fireworks and Angels Stadium displays. Meticulously remodeled with impeccable attention to detail, this impressive residence showcases contemporary elegance and cutting-edge design throughout. Approximately 95% of the home enjoys stunning views. Rich wood flooring enhances the main living spaces, while a remarkable glass-enclosed gymnasium with floor-to-ceiling windows creates the unforgettable sensation of exercising above it all. The gourmet chef’s kitchen is equipped with top-tier amenities, including a professional-grade range, full-size Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, wine cooler, refrigerated drawers, an oversized center island, and abundant workspace for entertaining and culinary excellence. The home offers five spacious bedrooms, including a luxurious primary suite with its own fireplace and serene retreat-like atmosphere. Additional highlights include three large solar panel systems that significantly reduce energy costs and may even generate additional income. A main-floor bedroom presents the opportunity for ADU conversion, subject to city approval. The motivated seller is also open to negotiating the installation of an elevator, providing even greater convenience and accessibility. This exceptional Orange Park Acres estate offers an unparalleled combination of luxury, functionality, and unforgettable views—a rare opportunity not to be missed.

1658 N Hunters, Orange
$525,000
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PW26138726 MLS ⋅ Active Under Contract Status
Welcome home to unit 2380 W Orangethorpe Ave #14 a beautiful and spacious single level ground floor condominium, featuring two large bedrooms, each bedroom has its own bathroom, plenty of natural light and a warm welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for a comfortable living, open floor plan that connects the living room, dinning area and kitchen. Additional features include fireplace in the living room, recessed lighting, ceiling fans, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, central air conditioning and heating, patio with storage room, new fence, laundry area and a detached car garage with storage space. Conveniently located near freeways 91, 5 & 57 and Schools

2380 W Orangethorpe Avenue Unit 14, Fullerton
$419,900
2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ PW26121626 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Welcome to Brookhurst Village, where comfort, convenience, and value come together in the heart of Anaheim. This beautifully updated top-floor unit offers 856 square feet of bright, open living space and is move-in ready! Featuring granite countertops, a custom backsplash, stainless-steel sink, updated appliances, modern fixtures, new carpeting, and a remodeled bathroom, this home delivers stylish upgrades throughout. The spacious primary bedroom includes a large custom closet, while the private balcony provides the perfect space to relax or entertain. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities including two swimming pools, playground, gated access, and beautifully maintained common areas. The low HOA covers water, gas, and community amenities. The unit also includes two parking spaces, one covered with additional storage. Ideally situated near major freeways, shopping, dining, entertainment, and world-famous attractions such as Disneyland Resort, this location offers exceptional convenience. The nearby Honda Center and Angel Stadium, along with the new OC Vibe development, position this property in an area poised for continued growth and strong rental demand. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer seeking affordability in Orange County or an investor looking for a well-located income property, this condo presents an outstanding opportunity to own in one of Anaheim's most accessible and desirable communities.

1250 S Brookhurst Unit 2080, Anaheim
$1,700,000
5 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ DW26120725 MLS ⋅ Active Under Contract Status
Welcome to Yorba Linda! This spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with a 3-car garage is ready for its new owner to add their personal touches and make it their own. Situated on a large lot, the home offers abundant natural light, soaring vaulted ceilings, and a functional floor plan designed for comfortable living. The formal living and dining rooms provide the perfect setting for entertaining, while the inviting family room features a cozy fireplace for relaxing evenings at home. The first floor includes a bedroom and full bathroom, ideal for guests, multi-generational living, or a home office. An indoor laundry room adds everyday convenience. Step outside to a generously sized backyard, perfect for family gatherings, outdoor entertaining, or creating your dream outdoor retreat. Located in the highly desirable city of Yorba Linda, this home is served by top-rated schools and is conveniently close to shopping, dining, and major freeways. Residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life with nearby parks, walking and biking trails, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Don't miss this opportunity to own a home in one of Orange County's most sought-after communities!

24405 Paseo De Toronto, Yorba Linda
$965,000
2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ PW26113499 MLS ⋅ Active Status
Beautiful property located in a prime Anaheim location with convenient access to the 91, 5, and 57 freeways. Close to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Parks, shopping center restaurants and entertainment. This charming cottage stile home feature 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, plus a second floor bonus room with additional bathroom. Property was originally built in 1896 and offer unique character and potential. Some improvements and repairs have been completed. however the property still needs cosmetic updates and additional work. Seller has limited knowledge regarding permits or property history. , Buyer and Buyer Agents conduct their own investigation and verify all the information.

201 E Adele, Anaheim
$778,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ CV26084255 MLS ⋅ Active Under Contract Status
Welcome to this cozy single-story solar equipped residence in La Habra, offering a spacious and functional layout. This home provides 1,842 square feet of comfortable living space, featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, all situated on a generous 7,715 sq. ft. flat lot. The home's design centers around an open floor plan that effectively connects the bright living room, kitchen, and dining area. The kitchen is well-equipped with granite countertops, featuring a 6-burner cooking range, a stainless steel sink and dishwasher, and a walk-in pantry for additional storage. Walk through the hall to discover a spacious family room with a cozy fireplace in the back, perfect for additional relaxation at home. Interior finishes include durable laminate wood flooring throughout most living spaces, modern recessed lighting, and classic wood shutters in the living room, family room, and kitchen. The property features an individual laundry room and a detached 2-car garage accessible via a secure private gate. The exterior provides a beautiful set-back front yard and a low-maintenance backyard. A detached storage unit in the back can be perfectly utilized as a dedicated home office, studio, or professional workspace. In addition, the home is equipped with solar panels for reduced utility costs. Home is desinated to Fullerton Joint union high school distrct at high school level, with excellent high school choices.

308 S Valencia Street, La Habra
$500,000
4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ IV26050894 MLS ⋅ Active Under Contract Status
Welcome to Cedarhill Estates, a resort-style community offering a clubhouse, pool, sauna, billiards, tennis and basketball courts, and scenic walking paths throughout the neighborhood. Conveniently located near SR-57 (Orange Freeway) with easy access via Bastanchury Rd or Imperial Hwy, providing quick routes to Anaheim, Brea, Pomona, Riverside, Corona, and just minutes from Downtown Fullerton. This home features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a blend of tile, wood, and linoleum flooring. The inviting entry opens to a cozy living room that flows into the kitchen and dining area, leading to a comfortable family room with a fireplace.

2851 Rolling Hills Unit 178, Fullerton
$536,400
1 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ OC26025661 MLS ⋅ Active Under Contract Status
Welcome to gated coastal living in the heart of Newport Beach, one-half mile off the sand. Spacious single-level, 1-bed, 1-bath in prestigious Versailles community. Functional open layout, generous room size, and abundant natural light. Private patio from living area, offering a peaceful spot to enjoy ocean air. Building equipped with elevator for convenience. Enjoy resort-style amenities: pool, spa, clubhouse, fitness centers, saunas, and BBQ area. Includes large assigned secure subterranean parking space and secure building access. Located moments from the pier, beach, shops, and restaurants. This home offers the best of Newport living. FHA & VA APPROVED!!!

200 McNeil Lane Unit 211, Newport Beach
$1,100,000
PW26021539 MLS ⋅ Active Status
PRICE REDUCTION! Future Ocean Views in the Palisades, Dana Point! A rare opportunity to build a custom home in the prestigious Palisades subdivision of Capistrano Beach. This graded lot comes with architectural plans and previous permits for a stunning 3,175 sq ft modern residence featuring 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and a thoughtfully designed open-concept floorplan. The two-story design has been carefully crafted to capture ocean views from the upper level, maximizing the value of this prime coastal location. Set on a quiet street in an established neighborhood, the home design includes generous indoor-outdoor living spaces, an attached garage, and elevated finishes — all optimized for relaxed, modern living near the beach. All utilities are nearby, and City of Dana Point had previously approved plans, allowing you to execute quickly. Plans, permits, and renderings available upon request. Buyer to verify all development requirements with the City of Dana Point.

34291 Via Lopez, Dana Point
$449,000
2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ AR25282197 MLS ⋅ Active Under Contract Status
Opportunity to own a well-located 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condominium in the desirable Orange Hill community of Orange. This single-level unit offers approximately 848 sq ft of living space with all bedrooms conveniently located on the main floor. The property features a functional layout with great natural light and access to community amenities, including a pool and spa. A detached carport provides dedicated parking, and the community offers a well-maintained environment with close proximity to shopping, dining, and major freeways, including the 55.

1800 E Heim Unit 48, Orange
$440,000
2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ OC25279544 MLS ⋅ Active Under Contract Status
Perfectly positioned across from Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club and Rancho Santa Margarita Lake, this upper-level 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo offers both style and versatility. The open floor plan is highlighted by high ceilings and a light, airy feel throughout. The kitchen showcases granite countertops, recessed lighting, and stainless steel appliances. The downstairs bedroom features high ceilings, while the upstairs space can serve as a second bedroom with a large closet or a flexible loft ideal for a home office or creative space. The bathroom includes dual sinks with brushed chrome fixtures, a granite vanity, and a large tub. Enjoy the convenience of inside stackable laundry, air conditioning, and a private one-car garage. In addition to garage, HOA provided 2 parking passes for additional first come first serve parking. A picture-perfect home in a prime location. Property is a Short Sale

7 Silktassel, Rancho Santa Margarita
$840,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PW25196573 MLS ⋅ Active Status
This inviting home is situated within a secure, gated community and offers 1,578 square feet of living space, featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The spacious main level is ideal for both relaxing evenings and lively social gatherings. The living room, separate dining room, and kitchen are conveniently adjacent to one another, fostering an open and versatile environment. Enjoy your cozy fireplace in the living room or step out onto the private balcony, accessible from both the kitchen and the living room—perfect for outdoor relaxation and entertaining. Tucked behind double doors for added privacy, the primary suite offers dual mirrored closets, an enclosed patio for a tranquil retreat, and a spacious bathroom with a skylight that fills the room with natural light. Practical amenities include inside laundry and direct access to an oversized attached garage. As a bonus, the garage includes an unfinished storage area just waiting for your custom vision. Conveniently located near award-winning schools, Brea Mall, a variety of restaurants and shopping centers, top-rated golf courses, and offers easy access to the 57 Freeway, making daily commutes and leisure activities highly accessible.

2583 Sandpebble Lane, Brea
Start Your Search

Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.