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  • Updated for 2027
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Behind on mortgage payments and thinking about selling?

Falling behind can happen after a job loss, an illness, or another big change. Here is what to know before you decide anything.

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Money pressure

Understand your situation first.

Missing a mortgage payment can be frightening, but the early stage is often when you have the most options. Servicers are expected to reach out and explain the help that may be available. A free HUD-approved housing counselor can help you understand your choices and talk with your servicer. Selling is one possibility, and for some people it is the right one, but it is worth comparing with the alternatives first.

This page covers what typically happens after missed payments, the help your servicer may offer, and how a sale might work if you decide to move on. If you do want to explore selling, Doorbloom lets you share your home's details and hear from independent investors and real estate professionals. Doorbloom does not buy homes or make offers, and it cannot pause collection or foreclosure.

What to know

Things to think through.

1

What happens after a missed payment

Your servicer will usually charge late fees and contact you about your options. Under federal rules, the legal foreclosure process generally cannot begin until you are at least 120 days behind. That time is valuable for asking for help and making a plan.

2

Help your servicer may offer

Depending on your loan and situation, options may include forbearance, a repayment plan, a loan modification, or refinancing. If keeping the home is not realistic, a short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure may be possible. Ask what each option would mean for your credit and any remaining balance.

3

Whether a sale makes sense

Selling may be worth considering if the payments will not be affordable even with help, or if you would rather move on. If you have equity, a sale can pay off the loan and may leave money afterward. If you owe more than the home is worth, the lender would need to approve a short sale.

4

Selling costs and timing

A sale has costs such as commission, closing costs, and possible repairs. Missed payments, fees, and interest keep adding up while the home is on the market. A payoff statement from your servicer shows what would be needed to clear the loan.

5

Avoiding scams

Be wary of anyone who asks for fees before helping, tells you to stop paying your mortgage, or asks you to sign over your deed. Real help from HUD-approved housing counselors is free or low cost. The FTC and CFPB both publish warning signs to watch for.

Your options

There is more than one path.

Ask your servicer for help

Forbearance, a repayment plan, or a loan modification may let you catch up and stay in the home. It takes paperwork, and approval is not certain. A HUD-approved housing counselor can help you apply.

List with a real estate agent

If you have equity and time, an open-market sale may bring the highest price. It usually involves preparing the home, showings, and a commission. Keep your servicer informed while the home is listed.

Explore offers through Doorbloom

Share your home's details for free and hear from independent investors and real estate professionals. This may suit people who want a simpler path or whose home needs work, though offers may be below open-market value. Compare any offer with your payoff amount; nothing is binding until you sign a purchase agreement.

How it works

Three clear steps.

  1. 1

    Tell us about your home

    Share the address, condition and your timeline. It takes about a minute, and we only ask what is needed for the next step.

  2. 2

    Review who is interested

    Real estate investors and professionals review your home. You see who they are before anyone gets your contact details.

  3. 3

    Choose your next step

    Talk to the people you want, compare your options, or decide not to sell. There is no pressure and no obligation.

Practical next steps

Where to start.

  1. 1Contact your servicer earlyTell them what changed and ask what options are available. Write down who you spoke with and when.
  2. 2Talk to a housing counselorA HUD-approved counselor can review your budget and help with applications. You can find one through the CFPB's search tool.
  3. 3Request a payoff statementThis shows the full amount needed to pay off the loan. It helps you judge whether a sale would cover what you owe.
  4. 4Review your budgetList your income and essential expenses to see what payment you could realistically manage. This helps you choose between keeping and selling.
  5. 5Keep everything in writingSave letters, emails, and copies of applications. Respond to requests for documents promptly.

Questions

Your questions, answered.

Can I sell my house if I'm behind on mortgage payments?

Generally, yes. The missed payments, fees, and loan balance are typically paid from the sale proceeds at closing. If the proceeds would not cover everything, the lender would need to approve a short sale.

How many missed payments before foreclosure starts?

It depends on your loan and your state, but federal rules generally prevent the legal process from starting until you are at least 120 days behind. Your servicer will likely contact you well before then. Reach out to them and to a housing counselor as early as you can.

Is it better to sell or get a loan modification?

It depends on whether you can afford the home going forward and whether you want to stay. A modification may keep you in the home, while selling may make sense if the payments will stay out of reach. A HUD-approved housing counselor can help you compare.

Will selling my house affect my credit?

Missed payments are usually reported whether or not you sell. A sale that pays the loan off in full is treated differently from a short sale or a foreclosure. Ask your servicer how each option would be reported.

How does Doorbloom work if I'm behind on payments?

You share your home's details for free, with no obligation. Independent investors and real estate professionals review it, and you choose who to talk to. Doorbloom does not buy homes, make offers, or change anything about your loan, so keep working with your servicer and a housing counselor too.

Is Doorbloom buying my house?

No. Doorbloom is a platform that connects US homeowners with real estate investors and professionals. Any offer comes from them, and nothing is binding until you sign a purchase agreement.

What does it cost?

Creating an account and telling us about your home is free for homeowners.

Who sees my information?

Professionals can see details about your home. Your name, email and phone number are only shared with people you choose to connect with.

Helpful resources

Independent help and information.

CFPB: Find a Housing CounselorSearch HUD-approved housing counseling agencies near youCFPB: If I can't pay my mortgageServicer options, from forbearance to short sale, plus scam signsCFPB: How long before foreclosureWhen the legal foreclosure process can generally beginFTC: Skip the scamsWarning signs of foreclosure and mortgage relief scams

Related situations

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