Tampa Bay homeowners

Behind on your mortgage? You have more options than you think.

Falling behind happens to good people: a job loss, a medical bill, a divorce, a loved one passing. It's stressful, and it can feel like everyone wants something from you. This page lays out every realistic option, including the ones that don't involve us. If keeping your home is possible, we want you to keep it.

Talk it through with Julien See where you stand

"You won't get a sales pitch from me. If the right answer is 'keep your house and call a housing counselor,' that's what I'll tell you."Julien Kabongo, French Equity Partners

Start here

Three things to do this week

Don't ignore court papers

If you're served with a foreclosure lawsuit in Florida, you generally have 20 days to file a response. Missing that deadline can cost you options.

Call a free housing counselor

HUD-approved counselors help at no cost and can speak with your lender for you. Call 800-569-4287.

Open every letter

Deadlines hide in lender mail. Open everything, keep copies, and write down who you spoke to and when.

Where you stand

What happens in a Florida foreclosure

Florida foreclosures go through the courts, which usually takes many months. Many homeowners have more time than they realize. Choose the stage you're at to see which options are usually still open.

Timelines vary by lender and court. This is general information, not legal advice.

Your options

Your options, explained honestly

Every situation is different. Here's what each option involves, who it tends to suit, and what to watch out for.

Reinstatement

Catch up and keep your home

What it is: You pay all missed payments plus late fees and costs in one lump sum, and your loan goes back to normal.
Often suits you if: The hardship was temporary and you can access the money through savings, family, or a new job.
Worth knowing: Ask your lender for a written reinstatement quote. The amount grows every month, so the sooner the better.

Loan modification or repayment plan

Change the terms so the payment fits

What it is

Your lender may lower your payment, extend your term, add missed payments to the end of the loan, or let you catch up over a few months.

Often suits you if

Your income has steadied, but the old payment no longer fits your budget.

Worth knowing

Apply early and send a complete application. Federal rules give you extra protections when you do.
Approval isn't guaranteed, and some modifications raise the total you pay over time. Read the terms carefully.
A housing counselor can help you prepare the paperwork for free. Never pay anyone upfront to "get you a modification."

Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 or Chapter 7

What it is: Filing puts an automatic, temporary pause on the foreclosure. Chapter 13 lets you catch up missed payments over three to five years while keeping your home. Chapter 7 clears many other debts, which can free up money, but on its own it doesn't catch up a mortgage.
Often suits you if: You have steady income but too much other debt (Chapter 13), or your other debts are overwhelming (Chapter 7).
Worth knowing: Bankruptcy stays on a credit report for up to 7 years (Chapter 13) or 10 years (Chapter 7). Speak with a Florida bankruptcy attorney before deciding. Many offer a free first consultation.

Selling the house

The options and the realities

Listing with an agent: Often gets the highest price if you have equity, time, and a house in good shape. Expect commissions, possibly repairs, and showings. In Florida there's often enough time to list, especially early on.
Short sale: If you owe more than the house is worth, your lender may accept less than the full balance. It needs lender approval and patience.
Deed in lieu of foreclosure: You hand the house back to the lender instead of going through foreclosure. It's less damaging than a foreclosure, but you usually walk away with nothing.

A direct cash sale to us

Fast, as-is, on your timeline

What it is: We buy the house as it is, with no repairs, no cleaning, and no showings. We can close in as little as 14 days through a licensed title company, or on a later date that suits you.
Often suits you if: Time is short, the house needs work you can't afford, or you simply need this to be over.
The honest part: Our offer will be below full retail value. That's the trade-off for speed and certainty. If you have plenty of equity and time to list, an agent will likely get you more money, and we'll tell you so. We'll always show you how we reached our number.

Our word

Our promise to you

We never charge homeowners a fee, now or later.
We'll talk through every option on this page, not just the one that helps us.
No pressure, ever. Take any offer to an attorney, a counselor, or your family first.
Everything is in writing, including your right to cancel under Florida law.
If selling is the right choice, we'll work with you on timing so your move is as calm as possible.
If we can't help, we'll point you to someone who can.

How to spot a foreclosure scam

Be careful with anyone, including us, who:

asks you for money upfront to "save" your home
guarantees they can stop your foreclosure
tells you to stop talking to your lender or your attorney
asks you to sign over your deed so you can "rent it back"
pushes you to sign today

You can report suspected foreclosure fraud to the Florida Attorney General at 866-966-7226.

Free help

Free and low-cost help in Tampa Bay

HUD-approved housing counselors

Free advice on budgeting, modifications, and talking to your lender. Call 800-569-4287.

Bay Area Legal Services

Free civil legal help for eligible residents of Hillsborough and nearby counties, including foreclosure defense.

The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service

Connects you with a Florida attorney for an initial consultation at a reduced fee. Call 800-342-8011.

Questions

Questions homeowners ask

Will talking to you commit me to anything?

No. A conversation is just a conversation. There's no cost, no obligation, and nothing to sign unless you decide selling to us is right for you.

Can you stop my foreclosure?

No, and be wary of anyone who promises that. Only paying what's owed, a lender agreement, a court, or a sale can resolve a foreclosure. What we can do is buy the house before the sale date if that's the best path for you.

Can I stay in the house after I sell to you?

We don't offer sell-and-rent-back or buy-back arrangements. Those deals often go badly for homeowners. If you sell to us, we'll agree a moving date with you in writing, with as much time as we can give.

What if the house is sold at auction for more than I owe?

You may be entitled to the surplus. You can claim it through the Clerk of Court in the county where the sale happened. A legal aid office or attorney can help you file.

I'm already working with an agent or attorney. Can you still help?

Yes. We're happy to coordinate directly with them.

You don't have to figure this out alone.

Call Julien directly. It's a conversation, not a pitch. Even if the answer is "keep your house and call this counselor," that's a good call.

Call (813) 321-4497 Request a no-obligation offer