What could be a reason for a buyer to seek a short sale?

A buyer may seek a short sale primarily to acquire property below market value with lender consent. In a short sale, the lender agrees to allow the seller to sell the property for less than what is owed on the mortgage, which typically means that the buyer can purchase the property at a reduced price compared to its current market value. This situation often arises when homeowners face financial distress and need to sell their homes quickly, leading to potential deals for buyers who are willing to navigate the complexities of this process.

Choosing this option reflects an understanding of the strategic advantage buyers have in a short sale context. While the other choices may describe various aspects of the real estate market or individual motivations, they do not capture the primary financial incentive behind short sales, which is the buyer's opportunity to secure a property at a favorable price.