When Is It Too Late to Stop Foreclosure in Michigan?

Is It Too Late to Stop Foreclosure in Michigan? Here’s What You Need to Know.

If You’re Asking This Question — You Still Have Time

It’s one of the scariest questions a homeowner can ask: “Is it too late to stop foreclosure?”

If you're in Michigan and facing mounting pressure from your lender, a sheriff's sale date, or constant stress about losing your home — take a breath.

Until the day your redemption period expires, it’s not too late to act.

But the longer you wait, the fewer options you’ll have.

Let’s walk through the timeline and help you figure out what’s still possible — and what you should do right now.

The Michigan Foreclosure Timeline at a Glance

Michigan uses a non-judicial foreclosure process, which means things can move fast. Here's how it typically plays out:

Stage	What Happens
Day 1	First missed mortgage payment
Day 90	Lender issues a default notice (pre-foreclosure begins)
Day 120+	Sheriff's sale date is scheduled and published
Sale Date	Home is auctioned to the highest bidder
After Sale	6-month redemption period begins (you may stay in the home)
End of Redemption	If you haven’t paid off the debt, the eviction process starts

👉 Learn more about what happens when you miss mortgage payments

Can You Really Stop Foreclosure Once It Starts?

Yes — but the strategy depends on how far along the process is.

Before the Sheriff’s Sale:
- Reinstate the loan by catching up on missed payments
- Negotiate a repayment plan or modification
- Sell the house to pay off the debt (this is the fastest option)
After the Sale (During Redemption):
- Pay off the loan balance in full
- Refinance — but only if your credit allows it (rare)
- Sell the home and use proceeds to redeem the property

Once the redemption period ends, it’s too late. The lender can evict you and take full possession.

Wooden house figurine next to a calendar and golden balance scale

The Danger of Waiting Too Long

Many homeowners wait until the last minute hoping for a miracle. Unfortunately, that delay:

Limits your options
Reduces your chance of selling before the sheriff’s sale
Makes it harder to negotiate with the lender
Allows legal fees and interest to pile up

By the time you're panicking, your best options may already be gone.

Alarm clock next to wooden blocks spelling out “LATE” on a wooden table

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

Selling Your House Can Stop Foreclosure in Its Tracks

Suburban white house with a red for sale sign in the front yard

If you have equity, selling the house before the sheriff’s sale (or even during the redemption period) may:

Pay off what you owe
Protect your credit
Help you avoid eviction
Give you a clean slate and cash to start fresh

Even if you’re just days away from the auction — or already in redemption — it’s still worth reaching out.

👉 See how a fast sale can help you avoid foreclosure

We Can Move Faster Than the Banks

At Dennis Buys Houses, we’ve worked with Michigan homeowners just days before foreclosure — and helped them sell in time.

Fast cash offers
No repairs or cleaning
Close in as little as 7 days
Discreet and professional

If you’re out of time, we’re your next best step — not a bank, not a realtor, not another payment plan.

👉 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.”

Michelle L. - Michigan

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:

Learn how we buy houses in Michigan: How It Works
See what makes us different: Why Choose Us
Ready to get a cash offer? Contact Us Today

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.”

Michelle L. - Michigan

“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.”

Henry G. - Michigan

“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.”

Claudia and Nancy M. - Michigan

Additional Resources:

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

What Happens When You Start Falling Behind

Trying to Refinance or Borrow While Behind

What to Do If You Can’t Afford the House

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 Stopping Foreclosure in Michigan

Is it ever too late to stop foreclosure in Michigan?
Yes — but only after your redemption period ends, which is typically 6 months after the sheriff’s sale. Until then, action is still possible.

Can I sell my house after the sheriff’s sale in Michigan?
Yes, you can sell the house during the redemption period, as long as you pay off the full amount owed (including fees) before time runs out.

What’s the fastest way to stop foreclosure in Michigan?
A direct cash sale is often the fastest, especially if you're up against a tight deadline. It can pay off your debt and avoid long-term damage.

How long is the redemption period in Michigan?
Typically 6 months after the sheriff’s sale. However, if the home is abandoned, the period may be shortened to 30 days — so don’t wait.

What if I’m days away from foreclosure — is it too late?
Not necessarily. If you act immediately and work with a cash buyer, you may still have time to stop the sale or redeem the property afterward.

What happens if I do nothing?
The lender will eventually take possession of your home, and you may be evicted. Your credit will suffer for years, and any remaining balance may still be your responsibility.