How to Sell a House with Late Mortgage Payments in Michigan
What Are Your Options When You’re Behind on Mortgage Payments?
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You Didn’t Plan for This. But You Still Have Options.
Maybe it started with one missed mortgage payment.
Then another.
Now the letters are piling up, your phone won’t stop ringing, and every knock at the door makes your stomach drop. You’re behind on your mortgage, and you’re not sure what to do next.
It’s scary—but you’re not alone.
Thousands of homeowners across Michigan go through this every year. The good news? Falling behind doesn’t mean you’ve run out of time. In most cases, you can still sell your house before foreclosure and avoid foreclosure by acting fast.
What Happens When You Fall Behind on Your Mortgage
Missing a mortgage payment sets off a chain of events that gets more serious the longer it goes unresolved:
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30 days late: You’ll start getting reminder letters and phone calls from your lender. Your credit takes a hit.
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60–90 days late: You may receive a formal notice of default. Your lender may begin pre-foreclosure proceedings.
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90+ days late: The foreclosure process can begin. In Michigan, foreclosure by advertisement can move quickly, especially if the property is vacant.
The sooner you take action, the more control you have. Waiting too long can limit your options and increase the chances of losing your home with nothing to show for it.
Yes—You Can Still Sell Your House (Even If You’re Behind)
One of the biggest myths is that once you fall behind, you’re stuck. That’s simply not true. In most cases, you can sell your home at any point before the foreclosure auction. Even if:
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You’re behind by several months
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You’ve received a notice of default
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You owe more than the house is worth (and are in negative equity)
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The property is in rough shape
When you sell to a local cash buyer like us, we work directly with your lender to make sure the process goes smoothly—and we move fast. You could have an offer in 24 hours and close in as little as a week.
Gloria B. - Clinton Township, Michigan
“Thank you for contacting me. I didn’t know what I was going to do with this house"
Your Options: What You Can Do Right Now
When you’re behind on your mortgage, it feels like there’s no way out. But the truth is, you do have options. Each one has pros and cons, and the right path depends on your timeline, financial situation, and goals.
Loan Modification or Forbearance
Your lender may offer to adjust your loan terms (modification) or temporarily pause/reduce payments (forbearance).
Pros:
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You may be able to stay in the home.
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Can buy time to get back on your feet.
Cons:
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Long approval process and strict requirements.
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May increase total debt or monthly payment later.
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Doesn’t reduce your mortgage—just delays it.
➡️ Best for: Homeowners with temporary hardship who plan to stay in the home long-term.
Refinance Your Mortgage
If you have equity and decent credit, you may be able to refinance to lower payments or pull cash out.
Pros:
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Could lower your monthly mortgage.
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May help you catch up if approved quickly.
Cons:
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Not likely to be approved if you’re already behind.
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Takes time—may not be fast enough to stop foreclosure.
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May involve fees or closing costs.
➡️ Best for: Homeowners with equity and decent credit who are only a little behind.
List with a Real Estate Agent
You can list your home on the market and try to sell traditionally.
Pros:
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Potential for top-dollar sale (if market is strong).
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Visibility to lots of buyers.
Cons:
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Takes time—30 to 90+ days on average.
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You’ll need to keep the house show-ready.
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May need repairs or updates to sell.
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You’ll owe agent commissions and fees at closing.
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Risk of foreclosure moving forward while waiting to sell.
➡️ Best for: Homeowners with time, money for repairs, and flexibility on sale timing.
Sell to a Local Cash Buyer (Like Me)
This is the fastest and least stressful option if you’re on a tight timeline or facing foreclosure.
Pros:
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Fast cash offer—often within 24 hours
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Close in 7–14 days or on your schedule
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No repairs, cleaning, or showings
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No commissions or closing costs
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We deal with your lender directly
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100% private and judgment-free
Cons:
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Offer may be slightly below full retail value (but often worth it for speed and simplicity)
➡️ Best for: Homeowners who need to sell fast, avoid foreclosure, or don’t want the hassle of listing.
Need to Sell a House To Avoid Foreclosure? Let’s Make It Easy.
Talk to Dennis Now – (734) 224-5977
Why Homeowners Across Michigan Trust Dennis Buys Houses
We’re not some national chain or faceless investor. We’re a local, family-owned company that’s been helping Michigan homeowners since 2004.
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Over 20 years of experience
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Hundreds of homes purchased across Michigan
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No agents, no commissions, no stress
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Parent company is BBB Accredited with multiple 5-star Google reviews
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We are discreet. We keep everything 100% private and confidential
How It Works (Our Simple 3-Step Process)
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Reach Out – Call, text, or fill out the form. We’ll listen and ask a few simple questions.
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Get an Offer – We’ll evaluate your home and give you a no-obligation cash offer.
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You Choose the Closing Date – We handle all the paperwork and close on your schedule.
🔑 No cleaning. No open houses. No judgment.
You Deserve Relief—We’re Here to Help
You’ve carried this burden long enough.
No one plans to fall behind on payments—but life happens, and you shouldn’t be punished forever for it. Whether you’re a few months behind or foreclosure is already in motion, there is still time to find a way out.
At Dennis Buys Houses, we treat every homeowner with respect, patience, and care.
We’ll answer your questions, walk you through your options, and let you decide if selling makes sense for you. No pressure—just help.
Reach Out Today—There’s Still Time:
📞 Call or text Dennis at (734) 224-5977
💬 Or fill out the quick form below to get started
👉 Get Your Free, No-Pressure Cash Offer Today
Are You Trying to Understand Your Options?
We'll Be Straight With You - Even If That Means Referring You to a Real Estate Agent.
Talk to Dennis Now – (734) 224-5977
"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
We Help Michigan Families Navigate These Situations Every Day
At Dennis Buys Houses, we’re not just cash buyers — we’re trusted problem-solvers who help Michigan families find real answers during difficult times.
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 tough family 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
Know Someone Who Needs to Sell Fast? We Pay Referral Fees.
Talk to Dennis Now – (734) 224-5977
Frequently Asked Questions
Selling a House To Avoid Foreclosure
How can I sell my house if I’m behind on mortgage payments?
If you’re behind on mortgage payments, you still have options. You can sell your house before foreclosure by working with a cash buyer. This process allows you to avoid lengthy delays and foreclosure by selling the house quickly. Many homeowners in Michigan opt for this solution to prevent their credit from taking a hit and to stop the foreclosure process.
Can I sell my home if I’m in pre-foreclosure?
Yes, even if your home is in pre-foreclosure, you can still sell it. In fact, selling your home during pre-foreclosure can help you avoid foreclosure and its negative effects on your credit. If you’re in Michigan and behind on mortgage payments, working with a cash home buyer can expedite the sale, allowing you to close quickly and resolve your mortgage issue.
What happens if I don’t sell my house before foreclosure?
If you don’t sell your home before foreclosure, the lender may take possession of your property and auction it off. This can severely damage your credit score and make it harder to secure future housing or loans. To avoid this, selling your house while behind on payments can help you settle your mortgage and protect your financial future.
What are the benefits of selling my home to a cash buyer if I’m behind on payments?
Selling your home to a cash buyer is a quick and hassle-free way to get out of a difficult situation. The main benefits include:
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Fast cash offers—often within 24 hours.
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Quick closing—usually within 7-14 days.
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No commissions, fees, or repairs required.
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No waiting for traditional buyers or lenders to approve your sale.
This is especially helpful for homeowners in Michigan facing late mortgage payments or pre-foreclosure who need a fast resolution.
Can I still sell my house if I owe more than it's worth (negative equity)?
Yes, it’s possible to sell your home if you owe more than it’s worth. This situation, called negative equity, can be tricky, but a cash buyer might still be able to help. We work directly with your lender to settle the debt, often through a short sale or other arrangements, and help you walk away without foreclosure.
How fast can I sell my house to avoid foreclosure in Michigan?
The timeline depends on your situation, but if you act quickly, it’s possible to sell your house in as little as 7–14 days. Working with a cash buyer can speed up the process, allowing you to stop foreclosure before it’s too late. Our team at Dennis Buys Houses specializes in fast home sales in Michigan, even when homeowners are behind on payments or facing pre-foreclosure.
Will selling my house impact my credit?
Selling your house before foreclosure can help protect your credit. While late mortgage payments may already have affected your credit score, selling before the home is foreclosed will prevent further damage and may give you a fresh start. A cash sale can also help you avoid the lengthy foreclosure process and its long-term consequences.
What happens after I sell my house to a cash buyer?
Once you sell your home to a cash buyer, the process is relatively straightforward. You’ll receive the cash from the sale, and any outstanding mortgage balance can be settled with your lender. If you’re behind on payments, we can help coordinate with your bank to ensure a smooth sale and stop foreclosure proceedings. You walk away with peace of mind and financial relief.
Can I still sell my house if it’s in bad condition and I’m behind on payments?
Yes, even if your house is in poor condition, you can still sell it. Cash buyers like Dennis Buys Houses purchase homes in any condition, so you don’t need to worry about repairs or cleaning. This makes selling particularly beneficial for homeowners who are behind on payments and want to avoid the hassle of making costly repairs.