This is a "pre-foreclosure". Meaning that the seller, for one reason or another, is unable to continue ownership of the property.  A short sale is a tool to be able to avoid losing the home. A short sale is a home that is subject to a banks approval on any offers that the seller accepts. Which means that if you choose to submit an offer on a short sale, you are now working with the seller and the bank.

Short sales can be a challenge because their time frames are not set in stone.  Be prepared to wait for the bank for any answers. I have seen months go by before the bank has even given an answer.