In the short sale vs foreclosure comparison, it is important to look at how these two processes work. If you own a home, and stop making payments on it, the lender will begin the foreclosure process, in as little as six to eight weeks after your missed payment. If this occurs, you may need to fight the foreclosure using what is called a short sale. If your only options are a short sale or foreclosure, a short sale is often the better route to take since it offers some protection to your credit. But, what is this?