Behind on Your Mortgage? How a Short Sale Can Help You Avoid Foreclosure

If you owe more on your house than it's worth and you're behind on payments, you may have more options than you think. A short sale is one of them. I'm a licensed Florida broker, and I help homeowners in Ocoee, Orlando, Apopka, and across Central Florida sell before a foreclosure is final.

The sooner you call, the more options you have. Call or text me at 407-212-7381. It's confidential and there's no cost to talk.

What is a short sale?

A short sale is when your lender agrees to let you sell the house for less than you owe and accepts the sale money as payment. Your lender has to approve it. You don't just list the house for less. I list your home, find a buyer, and send the offer and your paperwork to the lender for approval.

Short sale vs. foreclosure

• You stay in control. You choose the buyer and help set the timing, instead of the house going to auction.
• It's often easier to recover from. Many people find they can buy again sooner after a short sale than after a foreclosure, though it depends on your credit and the loan type.
• It ends the stress of not knowing. You have a plan and a closing date.

What to know before you decide

• The lender has to say yes, and approval can take weeks or months. Starting early matters.
• The leftover debt. In Florida, a lender may be able to come after you for the difference, called a deficiency, unless the lender agrees to waive it in writing. Getting that waiver in the short sale approval is something we push for.
• Taxes. Forgiven mortgage debt can sometimes count as income. Talk to a CPA about your situation.
• Talk to a lawyer if you've already been served with foreclosure papers. Deadlines matter.

What you'll need

• A recent mortgage statement
• Proof of income, bank statements, and tax returns
• A short hardship letter explaining what happened, like a job loss, medical bills, divorce, or a death in the family

I'll walk you through it and handle the back-and-forth with the lender.

Need to move faster?

If you have equity, or need a quick, simple sale, I also buy houses for cash through Incisive Investments. Because I can do both, I'll show you every option side by side.

Tell me about your situation

Share the address and the best number to reach you. I'll call you, confidentially, to go over your options.

I'm a licensed real estate broker, not a lawyer or tax advisor. For legal or tax advice about your situation, talk to a Florida attorney or CPA.