Behind on Your Mortgage? You Have More Options Than You Think.
Talk to a local short sale specialist for free. Confidential. No pressure. No obligation. We'll walk you through every option, including ones that let you keep your home.
Free • Confidential • No credit check • No obligation
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Licensed Local Specialist
Florida licensed real estate brokerage.
Zero Upfront Fees
You never pay us out of pocket.
Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco & Hernando Counties
First, take a breath.
Falling behind on your mortgage is stressful, but it happens to good people every single day. Life events like a job change, illness, divorce, or unexpected expenses can quickly stack up. Being behind is not a personal failing—it is simply a situation that requires a thoughtful strategy.
The most important thing to know right now is that foreclosure is rarely the only path, and it is usually the worst one. You still have rights, you still have control, and you still have choices.
Your 5 options when you're behind on your mortgage
Compare every major path side by side so you can decide what's best for you.
| Option | How it works | Credit impact | Can you stay? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loan Modification | Lender changes your loan terms | Minor | Yes | Income has recovered, want to keep the home |
| Short Sale | Sell for less than owed with lender approval | Moderate (generally less than foreclosure) | No | Can't afford the home, want a clean exit |
| Deed in Lieu | Hand the home back to the lender | Moderate | No | Want a fast exit, no buyer |
| Bankruptcy | Court process that can pause foreclosure | Major | Sometimes | Other debts are also unmanageable (talk to an attorney) |
| Foreclosure | Lender takes the home through the court | Severe | No | Only if nothing else works |
Loan Modification
Can stay: YesHow it works: Lender changes your loan terms
Credit impact: Minor
Best for: Income has recovered, want to keep the home
Short Sale
Can stay: NoHow it works: Sell for less than owed with lender approval
Credit impact: Moderate (generally less than foreclosure)
Best for: Can't afford the home, want a clean exit
Deed in Lieu
Can stay: NoHow it works: Hand the home back to the lender
Credit impact: Moderate
Best for: Want a fast exit, no buyer
Bankruptcy
Can stay: SometimesHow it works: Court process that can pause foreclosure
Credit impact: Major
Best for: Other debts are also unmanageable (talk to an attorney)
Foreclosure
Can stay: NoHow it works: Lender takes the home through the court
Credit impact: Severe
Best for: Only if nothing else works
Which option fits depends on your loan, your lender and your situation. That's what the free call is for.
You may be able to receive relocation assistance
In a cooperative short sale, some mortgage lenders approve relocation assistance paid directly to the homeowner at closing to help with moving expenses and securing a new place to live. It is often a few thousand dollars, helping you make a smooth transition to your next chapter.
The earlier you act, the more options you have
Short sales and lender negotiations take time—often a few months. Reaching out before an auction date is set gives your specialist the maximum leverage and time to negotiate with your lender, stop aggressive collection calls, and secure the best outcome for your future.
What happens on the free call
No sales pitches, no pressure, no fast talking. Just plain answers.
- 30 minutes by phone or Zoom, your choice
- We listen first: no script, no pressure, no sales pitch
- We explain the specific options available to you under Florida real estate rules
- You leave with a clear plan, even if it doesn't involve working with us
- No cost, no obligation, ever
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Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, honest answers so you can make informed decisions.
The worst thing you can do is nothing. Let's talk, for free.
No commitment, no fees, no pressure. Find out where you stand and what options are available to you today.