can a seller pay buyer's closing cost under a VA short sale?

That would be up to the short selling bank, Not the seller themselves,

You can ask for whatever you wish.. But when it comes to short sales, it's up to the lender as to what they will accept.. Whether the seller agrees to it or not.. I'm a Broker here in Scottsdale AZ and I only lend in Arizona. If you or someone you know is looking for financing options, feel free to contact me or pass along my information. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com

Yes... They can. But banks do all sorts of weird things. If the bank says no and you are short on cash for closing costs, talk to your lender about increasing your interest rate slightly to cover your closing costs that way. www.VA-IRRRL-Loan-MN.com

Yes, if the bank will approve it.

Yes there are two options. The seller can pay as long as the short sale bank approves it and so can the your mortgage lender. St.Marks 720-435-7777

The seller's lender will set the terms.

Yes if the selling bank will allow it in the offer that you propose. If you need help with a pre-approval and putting in an offer please let me know. P: 888-320-7888 - www.MortgagesforAmerica.org - Ken Burrows

As long as the lender will allow it. Sure. Work with a Realtor(R) who works closely with a lender and you would most likely be much more successful in negotiating the seller to pay the closing costs.

Yes, seller can pay closing cost. But the short sale Lender has to approve it based on what it wiil accept as the sales price.

You can request it in your offer and even if the seller accepts, the ultimate decision maker will be the sellers lender.