Can I sell my house in pre-foreclosure?
YES! You have until the day your home forecloses to sell it and stop foreclosure!
Until the title of your Florida home transfers to the new owner, you are the legal owner and can do what you like with the property, including selling it. The foreclosure process in Florida can be quite lengthy, so odds are you may even have more time than you think.
What if the foreclosure suit has already been filed?
You can still pursue a short sale after a foreclosure action has begun, but keep in mind the foreclosure case doesn't automatically stop simply because the property is listed or not even necessarily when a short sale has been submitted to the lender.
Can I complete a short sale while my house is in foreclosure?
While timing becomes increasingly important as the foreclosure case progresses, you can certainly complete a short sale while in the foreclosure process, and ideally close before it! If you owe more than your Florida home can sell for, a traditional sale may not generate enough money to pay off the mortgage. Your mortgage balance can add up fast with past due interest, late fees and foreclosure related legal fees. In that situation, a short sale may allow the property to be sold for less than the total mortgage debt.
How much time do I have to sell my home in foreclosure?
Depending on where you are in the Florida foreclosure process, the answer could be weeks, months or years. Florida foreclosures last on average 8-14 months from default to foreclosure sale, but can last considerably longer, especially in contested cases. Someone who has just recently missed payments is in a very different position from someone with a scheduled foreclosure sale. The earlier you get started, the higher your odds of avoiding foreclosure with a successful short sale!
Will you qualify for a short sale? Find out now!
Do I need a regular sale or a short sale?
If estimated sale proceeds cover the mortgage and selling expenses:
You may be able to complete a normal sale.
If you owe more than the property can reasonably sell for:
A short sale may be necessary.
It is very common for a home to have negative equity, especially after a lengthy period of non payment. NO PROBLEM! You can sell your home for less than what you owe in a short sale.
TIPS TO SELLING YOUR HOME IN PREFORECLOSURE:
- Get the right help. It is critical that you hire an agent who understands the Florida foreclosure process and knows how to sell property in preforeclosure.
- Request payoff statements from your lender(s). Interest and fees tend to add up very quickly, especially once the foreclosure begins and the lawyers add their fees. You need to know just how much equity you have.
- Move quickly. Foreclosure may take awhile, but fees do not. Move quickly to salvage any equity you may have in the property.
Do I need my lenders' permission to sell my home in preforeclosure?
No, you don't. As long as a sale of the property will cover its associated debts in full at closing, you need do nothing but sell and close before the foreclosure sale date. If you cannot cover the debts on the home with a regular sale, you will need to have your short sale approved by your lender. Your Florida short sale Realtor will take care of this for you.
What if I just walk away and let it foreclose?
That is always an option, however it is a very poor one. The lengthy foreclosure timeline and fees will eat up any remaining equity that could have gone to you. Or even worse - Florida is a deficiency judgment state. That means if the lender has losses in excess of the homes value, they can pursue you after the foreclosure for their losses.
We were lucky to find Minna. She is detail-orientated, highly knowledgable about the real estate market, and an expert at solving the problems that come up in any real estate sale. She is a sharp negotiator and I was impressed by the respect she commands among not only her colleagues, but the banks as well. Nothing gets by her! Minna is not only personable and a pleasure to work with, but she helped us find exactly what we wanted as well. We look forward to having Minna help us find our next home. We cannot recommend her enough!
MARCIE
Is Your Florida Home Already in Pre-Foreclosure or Foreclosure?
The earlier you evaluate your options, the more time you may have to pursue a traditional sale or short sale before the foreclosure progresses.
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Last Updated on September 28, 2026 by Minna Reid
