Are You Facing Foreclosure? You Still Have Options
Yes, even when facing foreclosure, you still have several options to protect your credit and potentially save your equity. The average foreclosure process in California takes 111 days, giving homeowners time to explore alternatives before losing their homes.
What Is Pre-Foreclosure?
Pre-foreclosure is when you fall behind on mortgage payments and when the bank takes your home. During this critical window, you maintain legal ownership and can take action to avoid foreclosure entirely.
What Does Pre-Foreclosure Feel Like?
Pre-foreclosure can feel like the walls are caving in. You know this feeling exactly if you're behind on payments and getting notices. You're dealing with:
- Constant letters from your mortgage company
- Missed payments that keep piling up
- Phone calls from the bank that won't stop
- No clear idea what to do next
But here's the truth: solutions remain available even in this challenging situation.
What Are Your Options When Facing Foreclosure?
1. Sell Your House Fast to a Cash Buyer
This is often the most effective option because it allows you to:
- Stop the foreclosure process completely
- Avoid foreclosure appearing on your credit report
- Close quickly - sometimes in as little as 7 days
- Maintain control of the timeline and process
2. Loan Modification
Work directly with your lender to:
- Modify your payment terms
- Reduce monthly payments
- Extend the loan period
Note: This process can take 3-6 months, and approval isn't guaranteed.
3. Short Sale
Sell your home for less than you owe with lender approval:
- Requires extensive paperwork
- Takes 3-6 months to complete
- Still impacts your credit, but less than foreclosure
4. Deed instead of foreclosure
Voluntarily transfer your property to the lender:
- Avoids the lengthy foreclosure process
- Still affects your credit score
- May not eliminate all debt obligations
How Bridgehaven Homes Helps Sacramento Homeowners Stop Foreclosure
We've helped homeowners just like you stop the clock and avoid foreclosure. Serving Sacramento and surrounding areas since 2017, here's exactly how our process works:
Step 1: Quick Property Assessment
When you call us, we immediately evaluate your situation. We don't waste time because we understand foreclosure timelines are critical.
Step 2: Fair Cash Offer
We determine if we can purchase your property before the foreclosure goes through. This means:
- You avoid foreclosure on your credit report
- You maintain control of the sale
- You can potentially save some equity
Step 3: We Handle All Documentation
We manage all the complex legal documents and communications with your lender. You don't have to navigate this alone.
Step 4: Fast, Flexible Closing
We adapt to your specific timeline. Whether you need to close in 7 days or have a few weeks, we coordinate all necessary steps.
Why Time Matters When You're Facing Foreclosure
Every day counts when you're facing foreclosure. According to RealtyTrac data, the longer you wait:
- The fewer alternatives you have
- The more late fees and penalties accumulate
- The closer you get to the actual foreclosure sale
- The more damage to your credit score
Statistics show that foreclosure can drop your credit score by 200-300 points and remain on your report for 7 years.
What Makes Our Approach Different for Foreclosure Situations?
Unlike traditional real estate sales that take 30-60 days, our process is specifically designed for homeowners facing foreclosure:
- No repairs needed - We buy houses as-is
- No cleaning required - Save time and money
- No inspections - Eliminate potential delays
- No agent fees - Keep more money in your pocket
- Flexible timeline - Close as fast as 7 days
Pre-Foreclosure vs. Foreclosure: What's the Difference?
Pre-Foreclosure | Foreclosure |
---|---|
You still own the home | Bank owns the home |
Can sell or modify loan | Limited options |
Credit impact: 50–100 points | Credit impact: 200–300 points |
Timeline: 3–6 months | Process completed |
Alternatives available | Few options remain |
Sacramento County Foreclosure Statistics
According to the latest data:
- 1 in 394 homes in Sacramento County received foreclosure filings in 2024
- Average foreclosure timeline: 111 days in California
- Credit recovery time: 2-3 years for pre-foreclosure sale vs. 7+ years for completed foreclosure
Real Homeowner Success Stories
Case Study 1: Philip Sparks
"I loved working with Tim! He is a true professional in every sense of the word. From day one we got along very well. He is a great communicator and consistent. To me that is what drives a great business relationship. I respect and appreciate Bridgehaven for having such a good representative as Tim."
Case Study 2: Andrea Smith
"Selling with Bridghaven Homes was honestly such a smooth experience. Tim helped me through the whole process and he was amazing, super knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and always kept me in the loop. The whole team was great, but Tim really stood out. I trusted them enough to refer a friend, and she ended up finding a home she loves. I’d definitely work with them again."
Case Study 3: Prentice Wysingle
"I called to get info on selling my family's home. We talked to Tim and he was able to come out the same day. I surprised at how good the offer was. The whole team was a pleasure to work with."
Our Credentials and Recognition
- BBB A+ Rating - Better Business Bureau accredited
- 5-Star Google Reviews from satisfied Sacramento customers
- Featured on The Pat Walsh Show (KFBK 1530 AM)
- 8+ Years Serving Sacramento (Since 2017)
- Over 100 Successful Transactions throughout Sacramento & surrounding areas
What Documentation Do We Handle?
We process all legal paperwork, including:
- Purchase agreements and contracts
- Title and deed transfers
- Lender communications
- Legal documentation
- Closing paperwork
How Do We Help Control the Timeline?
We coordinate the entire process by:
- Working within foreclosure deadlines
- Prioritizing urgent situations
- Communicating with all parties involved
- Adapting to your specific needs
Who Are the Homeowners We Help?
We've assisted homeowners just like you who are:
- Behind on mortgage payments
- Receiving foreclosure notices
- Facing financial hardship
- Unsure what to do next
- Running out of time
5 Steps to Take If You're Behind on Payments
Step 1: Act Quickly
Every day matters when facing foreclosure. The sooner you act, the more alternatives you have.
Step 2: Don't Ignore the Situation
Avoiding notices won't make them disappear. Face the situation head-on.
Step 3: Understand Your Options
Even when it feels hopeless, choices are still possible.
Step 4: Contact Professionals
Reach out to Bridgehaven Homes to explore your alternatives.
Step 5: Make an Informed Decision
Choose the option that best protects your financial future.
FAQs
We evaluate properties promptly after you contact us, usually within 24-48 hours.
Yes, we move quickly because we understand foreclosure timelines are critical.
None. We coordinate all documentation so you don't have to deal with complex legal forms.
We manage the timeline by working within your foreclosure deadlines and coordinating all necessary steps.
If you're behind on payments and uncertain about next steps, that's precisely why we're here to guide you through your alternatives.
Selling before foreclosure completion significantly reduces the credit impact compared to letting foreclosure proceed.
What Happens If You Don't Act?
If you're behind on payments and don't take action:
- Foreclosure appears on the credit report (remains for 7 years)
- Credit score drops 200-300 points
- You lose all equity in your property
- Future mortgage qualification becomes extremely difficult
- Potential deficiency judgment if the home sells for less than owed
Source: Experian Credit Education
Red Flags to Avoid
When you're behind on payments and exploring options, avoid companies that:
- Charge upfront fees (legitimate buyers don't charge fees)
- Make unrealistic promises (be wary of guarantees too good to be true)
- Use high-pressure tactics (good companies give you time to decide)
- Have no local presence (work with established local companies)
Our Service Areas
Bridge Haven Homes serves homeowners throughout:
Experienced California real estate investors with deep local market knowledge.
Take Action Today
If you're behind on payments and getting notices, don't wait. Pre-foreclosure can feel like the walls are caving in, but remember: alternatives exist.
We've helped homeowners just like you stop the clock and avoid foreclosure. When you call Bridgehaven Homes, we take a look at the property and see if we can purchase it before the foreclosure goes through.
We prioritize speed, handle all documentation, and help coordinate the timeline.