How foreclosure works

States handle foreclosure in one of two main ways. In judicial foreclosure states, including Florida, the lender must file a lawsuit and obtain a court judgment before the property can be sold. In non-judicial states, the lender follows a notice process set by state law and can schedule a sale without going to court, which is often faster. Either way, you generally keep ownership until the sale is complete.

Foreclosure in Florida

In Florida, foreclosure begins when the lender files a complaint and you are served, and you generally have 20 days to respond. If the court enters a final judgment, the clerk sets a sale date, usually 20 to 35 days after the judgment. Florida homeowners can generally redeem the property until the clerk files the certificate of sale, unless the judgment sets a different time. The whole process often takes many months, which is time you can use.

Do not ignore court papers. A Florida foreclosure attorney or a HUD-approved housing counselor can help you understand your deadlines and defenses.

Why selling before the sale date can help

  • The mortgage, missed payments, fees, and costs are paid off at closing.
  • Any equity above the payoff goes to you instead of being at risk at auction.
  • A completed sale generally does less damage to your credit than a finished foreclosure.
  • You control your move-out date instead of waiting for a court order.

How we work with foreclosure deadlines

Tell us the case status and any sale date when you contact us. We review the property quickly, and the title company requests a reinstatement or payoff figure from the lender's attorney. If there is enough time to close before the sale, we will tell you plainly. If there is not, or the numbers do not work, we will tell you that too.

If you owe more than the home is worth

If the balance exceeds the property's value, a short sale with lender approval, a deed in lieu of foreclosure, or other options may be available, depending on your lender. A housing counselor or attorney can explain which apply to you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sell my house while it is in foreclosure?

Yes. You generally own the home until the foreclosure sale, and you can sell it as long as the loan is paid off at closing.

How much time do I have?

It depends on your state and your case. In Florida, the process usually takes months, and a sale date is set only after a final judgment. Check your court case and talk with an attorney about your specific deadlines.

Will you buy a house in foreclosure that needs repairs?

Yes. We buy as-is, so you do not have to spend money you may not have on repairs.