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Selling a house in foreclosure in Michigan.
Most Michigan foreclosures happen outside of court through a sheriff's sale, and homeowners often still have options before and after that sale. Here is how the process generally works.
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Foreclosure · Michigan
How it works in Michigan.
In Michigan, most mortgage foreclosures are done by advertisement rather than through a lawsuit. The lender publishes notice of a sheriff's sale in a county newspaper and posts it on the home. After the sale, Michigan gives most homeowners a redemption period, often six months, during which they can usually stay in the home and still pay off the sale amount or sell. Knowing where you are in that timeline helps you understand which choices are still open.
The first step is usually a conversation with your mortgage servicer about loss mitigation options. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) points homeowners to approved housing education agencies, and HUD-approved counselors offer free help too. Be cautious with anyone who charges up front to stop a foreclosure or asks you to sign over your deed. A housing counselor or a Michigan attorney can review your specific dates and options.
Michigan specifics
What to know in Michigan.
Most foreclosures happen without court
Michigan Legal Help explains that most Michigan foreclosures are done without going to court, through a sheriff's sale. Judicial foreclosure through a court case also exists but is less common. Your notices will show which process your lender is using.
Notice is published and posted
MSHDA describes the sheriff's sale date being published in the county newspaper for four consecutive weeks, with a notice posted on the property within two weeks of the first publication. During that notice period, homeowners may still sell, refinance, seek a modification or catch up on payments. A loss mitigation application can still be submitted before the sale.
Michigan has a redemption period
After a sheriff's sale, MSHDA says the redemption period most commonly lasts six months, and it can be longer in some situations, such as when a large share of the loan has been paid. The last day to redeem appears on the sheriff's deed, recorded at the county register of deeds. Redeeming means paying the sale amount plus interest and fees.
Living in the home during redemption
During the redemption period, homeowners can usually stay in the home and are not required to keep making mortgage payments, but they should keep up the property, utilities and insurance. The buyer at the sale may inspect the home, and refusing reasonable inspection or damaging the home can lead to an early eviction case. An attorney can explain your rights.
MSHDA-approved counselors are free
MSHDA encourages homeowners to contact an MSHDA-approved housing education agency for free help, and HUD-approved counselors are also available. MSHDA warns against paying anyone who claims they can stop a foreclosure and against signing over your deed to someone promising help. Doorbloom cannot stop a foreclosure, but a counselor can walk through your options.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change and every situation is different, so confirm the details for your case with a Michigan attorney or the appropriate office.
Your options
There is more than one path.
Work out a solution with your servicer
A repayment plan, forbearance, or loan modification may let you keep the home. These options take paperwork and patience, and approval is not certain. A HUD-approved housing counselor can help you prepare and submit an application.
Sell with an agent or through a short sale
If you have equity and enough time, listing on the open market may bring the highest price. If you owe more than the home is worth, a short sale needs lender approval and can take a while. An agent experienced with foreclosure situations can explain what is realistic.
Explore offers through Doorbloom
You can share your home's details for free and hear from independent investors and real estate professionals, which some homeowners find simpler, especially when a home needs work. Offers may be below open-market value. Doorbloom cannot stop a foreclosure, and any sale still has to be completed and the loan paid before the foreclosure sale.
How it works
Three clear steps.
- 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
Review who is interested
Real estate investors and professionals review your home. You see who they are before anyone gets your contact details.
- 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.
Questions
Questions from Michigan homeowners.
Is Michigan a judicial or non-judicial foreclosure state?
Michigan allows both, but most home foreclosures are done by advertisement without going to court, ending in a sheriff's sale. Your notices will show which process applies. A Michigan attorney or housing counselor can confirm the details for your loan.
How long is the redemption period after a sheriff's sale in Michigan?
MSHDA and Michigan Legal Help both describe six months as the most common redemption period for homes, with longer periods in some cases. The exact last day is listed on the sheriff's deed at the county register of deeds. A counselor or attorney can help you confirm your date.
Can I sell my Michigan house after the sheriff's sale?
Homeowners generally keep the right to redeem during the redemption period, and a sale that pays off the redemption amount is one way some people use that time. Timing is tight, so talk with your servicer, a housing counselor or an attorney about whether it is realistic for you.
Where can I get free foreclosure help in Michigan?
MSHDA lists approved housing education agencies that offer free counseling, and HUD-approved housing counselors are also free. Michigan Legal Help has plain-language guides on foreclosure. Avoid anyone who asks for fees up front or asks you to sign over your deed.
Is Doorbloom buying my house?
No. Doorbloom is a platform that connects Michigan 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?
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