What is a sample hardship letter?

Below is a sample hardship letter, which provides a general guideline for the wording of the body of the letter.  Be sure and check out How to write a short sale hardship letter for more tips on writing an effective hardship letter.
 
Because the short sale hardship letter is the “story” behind the documentation that is being submitted to the lender, a compelling, heartfelt letter is critical to getting your short sale approved.
 
 
(Date)

(Lender Name)

(Lender Address)

(Lender's fax number)

RE: Hardship Letter - Short Sale for (your address) (loan number)

Dear Creditor:
 
This letter is written to explain my current financial situation.
 
Due to (the reason for your hardship) I am unable to meet my financial obligations on my current mortgage. I am delinquent on several of my bills and am unable to keep up at this time. 
 
My family has been living in a distressed situation (since the situation started).   I am requesting your help to work with me to get this short sale approved, so we can get our finances under control again.
 
I have lived in my home since (date) and have, until recently, been on time in making my mortgage payments. Due to my financial hardship and the declining economy I can no longer meet this obligation. An offer has been made on my home for ($) and I request that you accept this offer as a short sale. This is the best offer I have received in my attempt to sell my property.
 
I have enclosed documents for the past 3 months to explain the financial situation I am currently going through. As you can see, if this offer is not accepted I will not be able to meet any of my financial obligations.
 
I am embarrassed that I am in this current situation and would like to avoid further financial difficulties by continuing negative credit and mounting financial obligations.
 
Thank you in advance for reviewing my short sale package.  If you have any questions, please contact me at (phone number).

Sincerely,
 
Mr. and Mrs. Borrower