In addition to purchase money protection laws under California Code of Civil procedure 580 b, a homeowner may also have protection from deficiency creditors through California Code of Civil Procedure 580d.
If you only have one loan and the lender utilizes and non judicial foreclosure - the former owner is protected from a deficiency judgment. (you may need a lawyer to enforce your rights - it may not be automatic).
580 b and 580 d are some of the many reasons why it is a mistake to do a short sale without legal advice.
