If you’ve missed a few mortgage payments and received a notice from the bank, you’re likely in pre-foreclosure — but don’t panic. This stage gives Florida homeowners time, options, and a chance to fight back before losing their home. The worst thing you can do is ignore it.
In this article, we break down what pre-foreclosure really means, how the process works in Florida, and what you can do to stop the bank before it’s too late.
🧠 What Is Pre-Foreclosure?
Pre-foreclosure is the first stage of the foreclosure process. It begins when a homeowner falls behind on mortgage payments — usually 90 days or more — and the lender issues a Notice of Default or Lis Pendens in Florida.
Think of it as a warning. The bank hasn’t taken your home yet, but they’re preparing to.
🕒 How Long Do You Have?
In Florida, the pre-foreclosure process can last several months before a final judgment is issued and a sale date is set.
You typically have time to:
- Reinstate the loan
- Negotiate with the bank
- Sell the home (even with a mortgage)
- Work with foreclosure prevention experts (like us)
But once it moves to auction or final judgment, your options narrow quickly.
⚠️ What Happens If You Do Nothing?
If no action is taken, the bank may:
- Foreclose and sell your home at public auction
- Evict you and your family
- Report the foreclosure to credit bureaus (which can damage your score for 7 years)
- Sue you for a deficiency judgment (the difference between what you owed and what they sold the house for)
💡 What Can You Do Right Now?
Here are 5 immediate options to stop pre-foreclosure:
- Reinstate Your Loan – Pay the amount past due + fees to catch up.
- Apply for a Loan Modification – Ask your lender to adjust your mortgage terms.
- Sell the Property – Sell quickly to a cash buyer or list it with help from a licensed agent-investor like HouseKey.
- Negotiate a Short Sale – Sell for less than you owe (if the bank approves).
- Explore “Subject-To” or Creative Financing – Let a professional investor take over payments.
✅ You’re Not Alone—We Can Help
At HouseKey Realty & Investments, we work with Florida homeowners every week who are facing pre-foreclosure. We’re not just agents—we’re licensed investors with options that banks won’t tell you about.
We handle:
- Cash offers
- Negotiations with your lender
- Clean, fast closings through our in-house title company
Even if you’ve received a foreclosure notice, it’s not too late to take control.
📞 Call Before It’s Too Late
Don’t wait for the sheriff to knock. Call or text us today for a free consultation.