You have more
options than you
think.
Foreclosure is frustrating and stressful — but it is rarely inevitable. If you are falling behind on payments in DFW, there are real paths forward. We'll walk them with you, quietly and without judgment.
A process that
moves quickly —
but can be stopped.
Foreclosure happens when a property owner can no longer make monthly payments toward their mortgage or property taxes. Because the loan is secured by the property as collateral, the lender seizes the home and sells it to recover the loss.
In most cases, a lender will wait 120 days without payment before filing a Notice of Default, which cancels your mortgage and entitles them to sell the property. If you can avoid foreclosure, it is essential to take the first steps before that notice is filed.
Don't avoid the conversation out of embarrassment or hope that things will improve on their own. The sooner you act, the more options remain on the table. 214.587.5755
Three honest paths, in order of urgency.
Every situation is different. These are the conversations we have with homeowners across DFW every week.
- 01
Talk to your lender first
The single most important step is acting early. Lenders can offer flexible repayment plans, forbearance, or loan modifications — but only if you reach out before the Notice of Default is filed.
- 02
Negotiate a short sale
A short sale lets you sell the property for less than what is owed, with the lender’s approval. It still affects your credit, but far less severely than a completed foreclosure.
- 03
Sell the house outright
If you have equity, selling the home directly — often for cash — can pay off the mortgage, preserve your credit, and leave you with funds to start over on your own terms.
When you owe
more than the
house is worth.
A short sale sells your property for less than what you owe the mortgage company. The lender must agree to the terms before the sale can proceed — which is why having an experienced advocate matters.
Short sales alleviate your debt without damaging your credit score as severely as foreclosure. They still leave a mark, and any proceeds go back to the lender — but you walk away without a foreclosure on your record, and with a clearer road back to homeownership.
Maria Barrera is SFR certified — a Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource® — and has helped DFW homeowners navigate these decisions since 2010.
Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource® since 2010.
The SFR® designation is awarded to real estate professionals who have completed specialized training in short sales, foreclosures, and the unique negotiations they require. It means knowing how lenders think — and how to keep homeowners in the driver's seat.
The sooner you call,
the more we can do.
Tell us about your property. You could have a fair, no-obligation, all-cash offer in 24 hours — and close on the date that works for you. No repairs, no fees, no closing costs.