Unfortunately we are at a moment in time where seller’s motivations are not typical.  Most sellers in this market are being forced into short sales and there is a mentality that since they are losing on the deal they just don’t care.  If you just don’t care then why go through the trouble of listing and showing your property

You do care and have a huge stake in the outcome so make a little effort and make your deal work.

Most likely if you find yourself in a short sale situation you are not alone.  There are others on your very street facing the same reality.  In an asset manager’s mind your homes are identical even if they are not.  You likely will not get extra value as a result of working to make your home more saleable but you will get a contract and be on your way to resolving a negative situation.  Most people in this marketplace begin destroying their property and quite frankly living like pigs.  These people are not only going to lose their investment in their home, they are donating their self esteem as well.

What does that do to help the situation?

The same dynamics that used to work still work even if the outcomes are different.  If you have a desirable property worth waiting for you will not only find buyers, you will find buyers who are willing to hold on and see the deal through.  Obviously you are not going to do any renovation but simple things like cleaning and de-cluttering kitchens, closets, and bathrooms goes a long way.  Trimming bushes and planting inexpensive annuals will also improve curb appeal and invite buyers. They need an incentive to enter into the roller coaster ride of a short sale so give them one, a great house.  I challenge you to look at your situation not from a victim’s perspective but rather from a buyer’s perspective and you will find that your victim days will be numbered and you will be moving on to better times.