I Can’t Afford My House Anymore — What Are My Options in Michigan?

You Can’t Afford Your Home — Let’s Talk About Your Real Options in Michigan

Dennis with arms crossed in a blue button down featuring a “Dennis Buys Houses” logo, standing confidently on a transparent background.

When Keeping the House Is No Longer an Option

It’s a painful thought: “I just can’t afford my house anymore.”

If you're a homeowner in Michigan facing this reality, you’re not alone — and you're not a failure.

Life happens. Job loss, medical bills, divorce, rising costs — they all hit hard. What matters now is what you do next.

You have more options than you think. Let’s break them down and help you move forward.

Start by Assessing the Situation Honestly

Before you can act, take a clear look at your finances:

  • Are you behind on mortgage payments — or just barely keeping up?

  • Are you using credit cards to cover household expenses?

  • Has your lender contacted you about default or foreclosure?

If you’re saying “yes” to any of these, it’s time to consider more sustainable solutions — not temporary fixes.

Bills, receipts, and a calculator scattered on a table indicating financial distress

5 Options When You Can’t Afford Your Home

Here’s what you can do when staying no longer makes sense:

  1. Loan Modification

    • May reduce your monthly payment or extend your term

    • Requires lender approval and documentation

  2. Forbearance

    • Pauses or reduces payments temporarily

    • You’ll still owe the missed amount later

  3. Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure

    • You give the home back to the bank voluntarily

    • Often damages credit less than a full foreclosure

  4. Short Sale

    • Sell the home for less than what’s owed (with lender approval)

    • Slower process, not guaranteed

  5. Sell the Home Directly for Cash

    • Fastest and simplest option if you have equity

    • Can stop foreclosure and preserve credit

Why Waiting Only Makes It Harder

Every missed payment adds late fees, damages your credit, and brings you closer to foreclosure.

And if the home sits vacant?

That brings blight, vandalism, city fines, and even lawsuits from the local government.

👉 Learn what happens when a house sits vacant in Michigan

Vacant, deteriorating house with chipped paint and overgrown yard

Selling to Avoid Foreclosure in Michigan? Let Me Make It Easy.
Talk to Dennis Now(734) 224-5977

Selling Might Be the Most Responsible Choice

Cozy Michigan house with a red for sale sign in the foreground

It’s not giving up — it’s stepping into a better situation.

Selling now might help you:

  • Avoid foreclosure

  • Settle your debts

  • Keep your credit intact

  • Move into something more affordable

  • Reduce mental and financial stress

If staying is breaking you, leaving might actually set you free.

A Fast Cash Sale Can Give You a Fresh Start

At Dennis Buys Houses, we help Michigan homeowners sell fast — no repairs, no agents, no fees.

Just a fair cash offer and a timeline that works for you.

We’re local, discreet, and we’ve seen it all. If selling is the best option, we’ll make it simple.

And if it’s not — we’ll tell you that, too.

👉 Get your free, no-pressure cash offer

"When you mentioned that you would give us an offer within 24 hours and then close quickly I didn’t really believe that we would have the house sold in only 2 weeks. I’m glad I found you.”

we buy houses in detroit

Michelle L. - Michigan

5-stars

Need to Sell Fast in Michigan to Avoid Foreclosure?

At Dennis Buys Houses, we help Michigan homeowners avoid foreclosure by buying houses fast, for cash, as-is.

No agents. No repairs. No waiting.

We’ll listen to your situation and tell you what makes the most sense — even if that means not selling to us.

You deserve a clear, honest path forward.

👉 Click the button below to discuss your options.

Are You Trying to Understand Your Options?

Talk to Dennis Now – (734) 224-5977

We Help Michigan Families Navigate These Situations Every Day

Dennis sitting in a chair in his living room

At Dennis Buys Houses, we’re not just cash buyers — we’re trusted problem-solvers who help Michigan families find real answers to their housing challenges.

Since 2004, we've been helping homeowners across Michigan sell their properties quickly and easily—without the stress of agents, repairs, or hidden fees.

We’re a family-owned, local business with deep roots in the community. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds and hundreds of homeowners in situations just like yours—whether they’re dealing with delinquent property taxes, foreclosure, or simply needing a fresh start.

If you're dealing with a situation and don’t know where to turn, we’re here to help.

Start here:

No pressure. No judgment. Just real help when you need it.

See why so many people recommend us...

“Mr. Fassett – thank you for working with us to buy my Mom’s home after she passed away. When you mentioned that you would give us an offer within 24 hours and then close quickly I didn’t really believe that we would have the house sold in only 2 weeks. I’m glad I found you.”

we buy houses in detroit

Michelle L. - Michigan

5-stars

“Thanks for buying my Mother’s home. It was a big help that you were able to buy it without us having to clean it out and get it ready to sell. My mother had accumulated lots of stuff and after the stress of her long illness I was exhausted and I dreaded dealing with all of it. I also liked it that you gave me a very fair price for the home. I’m on a fixed income and that really helped a lot.”

we buy houses in detroit

Henry G. - Michigan

5-stars

“Dennis – thank you for helping us with our Mom’s home. This was a very traumatic experience for us, and we appreciated your patience with all the emotions we experienced during the process. You were really patient and understanding with us during the sale process, and we’re sure that Mom’s home will be in good hands. God Bless.”

we buy houses in detroit

Claudia and Nancy M. - Michigan

5-stars

Additional Resources:

Want to go deeper? You might also want to read:

What Happens When You Miss Payments

Refinance or Loan Options

When Is It Too Late to Stop Foreclosure?

For a full breakdown of your options when you're behind on your mortgage, visit this comprehensive guide.

In addition:

How to Sell Your Vacant House in Michigan

What Happens When a House Sits Vacant in Michigan?

Vacant vs. Unoccupied Homes: What Michigan Homeowners Need to Know

Or call or text Dennis with your questions: (734) 224-5977

Frequently Asked Questions

About Not Being Able to Afford Your Home

What should I do if I can’t afford my house in Michigan anymore?
You have several options — loan modification, forbearance, short sale, or a fast cash sale. Waiting only narrows your choices.

Is it better to sell my home or try to get help from my lender?
If your income has dropped permanently, selling may be the most stable choice. But if the hardship is short-term, try contacting your lender first.

What is a deed in lieu of foreclosure?
It’s when you voluntarily transfer ownership back to the lender instead of going through foreclosure. It still impacts credit but may be less damaging.

Can I sell my house even if I’m behind on payments?
Yes — and it’s often the best way to stop the foreclosure process and avoid further credit damage.

What if I owe more than my house is worth?
You may be able to do a short sale, where the lender agrees to accept less than what’s owed. It’s more complex, but still better than foreclosure.

How fast can I sell my house in Michigan if I need to?
With a local cash buyer like Dennis Buys Houses, many sellers close in 7–14 dayswith no repairs, cleaning, or showings.

Will selling my home hurt my credit?
Not nearly as much as a foreclosure. In fact, selling early can help preserve your credit and make it easier to buy again in the future.

Know Someone Who Needs to Sell Fast? We Pay Referral Fees.
Talk to Dennis Now(734) 224-5977