Washington Short Sale Information

[Tiffany Noble]

Hi BP,

I received a foreclosure call and live in Skagit County. The seller is under water and the house needs work.  I talked to an agent I know who told me in WA the house has to be listed before trying to sell as a short sale. Is this typical and is this a done deal once it is on the market?  What other steps must be taken? The homeowner knows the bank must be contacted to negotiate a short sale but is this something I can take care of through a letter or phone call myself? Thanks for reading and all information helps. 

-Tiffany