Start Here: What You Need to Know
If you are behind on your mortgage in Florida, the worst thing you can do is nothing. Florida foreclosures go through court, which buys you a window — but that window closes.
We help Northeast Florida homeowners understand every option, not just the one that ends with a sale. Sometimes the right move is to stay, and we'll tell you so.
Quick facts at a glance
- Florida foreclosure type
- Judicial — the lender must sue you in court first, which takes months.
- When does it start?
- Often after ~90 days late, but it varies by lender.
- Can I still sell?
- Usually yes, right up until the auction.
- Will calling you hurt my credit?
- No. A conversation costs nothing and doesn't touch your credit.
- If I have equity
- Selling protects it; foreclosure can wipe it out.
- If I'm underwater
- Look at a short sale or deed in lieu.
Florida's Foreclosure Timeline Gives You Room
Florida is a judicial-foreclosure state — the lender has to sue you in court before it can take the home. That process typically runs several months: 90+ days late, then a formal complaint, then time to respond, then a judgment, then a scheduled auction.
Your Options Before Foreclosure
Reinstatement
Pay the past-due amount in a lump sum to bring the loan current.
Repayment plan or forbearance
The servicer spreads the missed payments out or pauses them temporarily.
Loan modification
The lender permanently changes your rate or term to lower the payment.
Sell before the auction
If you have equity, selling protects it and avoids a foreclosure on your record.
Short sale or deed in lieu
If you owe more than the home is worth.
| Modify / Reinstate | Sell Before Auction | Let It Foreclose | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep the home? | Sometimes | No | No |
| Protects equity | Depends | Yes | Often no |
| Credit impact | Light if you catch up | Moderate | Severe |
Why Selling Can Beat Losing the Home
If you have equity, foreclosure can wipe it out — the home sells at auction, fees pile on, and you may walk away with nothing and wrecked credit. Selling on your own terms before that point lets you cash out your equity, avoid the foreclosure record, and move on a date you choose.
Pros
- Protects equity foreclosure would erase
- Avoids a foreclosure on your credit for 7 years
- You pick the closing date
- No repairs, no showings, no commissions
Cons / Trade-offs
- The cash price is below renovated retail
- If you can realistically catch up, keeping may be better
- You give up the home rather than fighting to keep it
Behind and not sure what to do?
One free, honest conversation about every option — even the ones that don't involve us.
Review My Options Call 904-606-9163Free Help, and the Scams to Avoid
Get free, legitimate help
A HUD-approved housing counselor will review your options for free — call 1-800-569-4287 or visit consumerfinance.gov.
Red flags of a scam
- Anyone asking for a large upfront fee to 'stop foreclosure.'
- Pressure to sign over your deed or pay them instead of the lender.
- A 'guarantee' to save your home, or telling you to stop talking to your lender.
We make a real offer with a real closing at a licensed title company — and we'll point you to free HUD counseling first.
Hidden Things When You're Behind
- Ignoring the lender's letters is the costliest move. Servicers have loss-mitigation programs, but can't help someone they can't reach.
- Equity is use-it-or-lose-it here. At auction, your equity often evaporates into fees and a low sale price.
- A cash sale can beat the auction date. With enough runway we can frequently close before the sale is scheduled.
- Reinstatement amounts grow. Late fees and attorney costs get added, so the catch-up number rises the longer you wait.
- 'Foreclosure rescue' scams target your spot. Never pay big upfront fees; HUD counseling is free.
Chris Moore
"When someone calls me behind on payments, the first thing I do is figure out whether they should even sell. If catching up or a modification is realistic, I'll point them to a HUD counselor."
"We're local and we're not a call center. We'll tell you honestly what your options are — including the ones that don't involve selling to us — because the right move is whatever actually protects you."
Frequently Asked Questions
How many payments can I miss before foreclosure?
Often around 90 days late, but it varies. Once a court case is filed the clock speeds up, so act early.
Can I sell if I'm already in foreclosure?
Usually yes, right up until the auction. Selling can stop the process and protect equity.
Will talking to you hurt my credit?
No. A conversation costs nothing and doesn't touch your credit.
What if I have very little equity?
We look at a short sale or other strategies. Even with little equity you usually have better choices than foreclosure.
Do you help with the bank?
We can make a clean offer that works in a reinstatement or short-sale plan, and point you to free HUD counselors.
Need to talk to someone?