does a short sale affect credit score?

Anytime you have a Negative event on your credit report, it will affect it negatively.. short sales are no different.. Its better than a foreclosure, but not by much.. and if you have had any late payments, then it could be as bad as a foreclosure.. 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. William J. Acres, Lender411's number ONE lender in Arizona. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com

A short sale is a major blemish, if it involves a foreclosure process, but less damage than a completed foreclosure.

Not if your loan payments are current prior the sale, A short sale can occur simply because you owe more on your home than it appraisers and/or can sell for.

A short sale is for many lenders considered a foreclosure. It will take 3 or 4 years to be able to buy a home.

It can, it depends on all the factors surrounding the short sale, and how it is reported on your credit.

Absolutely pardon the pun, but there are varying degrees of how much it will effect your score, that are mentioned in the previous posts. If you were current the last 12 months prior, you can get right back on the horse so to speak, if NOT and if you are a VA then 2 year wait is necessary.