Can I sell my house if I'm behind on the mortgage?

Yes, and it is more common than you think

We work with homeowners in foreclosure, pre-foreclosure and behind on payments all the time. Selling pays off the mortgage at closing. If you have equity, you keep what is left. A cash buyer can close in 14 to 30 days, often before a foreclosure sale date.

The faster we know, the more options there are to help. Call us even if you think it is too late. Sometimes it is not.

How far behind changes the answer

One to two months behind is the easiest recovery, and selling is probably not your first move. Call your servicer's loss mitigation department, ask for a reinstatement quote, ask about a repayment plan, or apply for forbearance.

Three to four months behind is urgent but fixable. Submit a loss mitigation application; a servicer must review a complete one before starting foreclosure. Apply for a modification, which typically takes 30 to 60 days. A HUD-approved housing counselor is free and often knows options your servicer does not mention.

Five or more months behind narrows things. You are past the 120-day federally protected period and foreclosure can start. Reinstatement is still your right up to the sale date, but the number now includes legal fees. If you have equity, a cash sale is often the best remaining option.

What we actually do when you are behind

We call your servicer's payoff department directly and get the exact amount needed, then wire it at closing. We show you the math: what we are paying, what goes to the payoff, and what is left for you. Many homeowners genuinely do not know whether they have equity until someone lays it out.

We move fast when the calendar demands it, 14 to 21 days at the short end, and we know how to coordinate with foreclosure attorneys.

When we will tell you not to sell

If you are underwater, a short sale is better. If your income returns to normal within 60 days, forbearance may bridge you. If you have savings to reinstate, keep the house. We have talked plenty of people into pursuing a modification first.

Read the behind-on-payments guide, or call us. No judgment; you did not end up here on purpose.