What is the term for selling a home, with lender's consent, at a price less than the outstanding balance on a mortgage?

The correct term for selling a home, with the lender's consent, at a price less than the outstanding balance on a mortgage is a short sale. This process occurs when a homeowner is unable to continue making mortgage payments and seeks to sell the property for less than what is owed on the mortgage. The lender agrees to this arrangement as it often allows them to recover a portion of the loan balance without the lengthy and costly process of foreclosure.

In a short sale, the lender must approve the sale price and terms, which can provide a more favorable outcome for all parties involved compared to a foreclosure scenario. The sale is beneficial for the homeowner, as it helps avoid foreclosure, and for the lender, as it may lead to a quicker resolution and minimize losses.

Other options like a deed in lieu of foreclosure refer to a situation where the homeowner voluntarily transfers ownership of the property to the lender to avoid foreclosure, while foreclosure involves the legal process where the lender takes possession of the property due to unpaid loans. A distress sale typically describes a sale motivated by financial hardship, but it doesn't specifically imply lender involvement or consent like a short sale does.