A short sale attorney can be your biggest asset when having to do a short sale. The legal issues that arise when negotiating a short sale can be explained in detail to you by the short sale attorney in such a way that you are aware of all options available to you. For example, there could be some kind of tax ramification behind a credit given from the bank to allow the short sale and you as the seller can be subject to a deficiency judgement. Your attorney can tell you what this would mean for you and if there was anything that could be done to avoid this.
The company in which you choose to work with should be well organized and experienced at walking the the seller through the process while working with the real estate agent. Most agents will work hard so that you can bypass having to deal with a loan mitigation with the lenders, who can be difficult to work with.
With the help of the attorney you very well may sell your home before they are sold in the court house. A short sale is better on your credit score than if you were to let your house go into foreclosure. If you act with speed there are some things that can be done to maximize your opportunities and your attorney can advise you of all options available to you.