If you’re facing pre-foreclosure, you may be feeling confused, stressed, or unsure about what happens next. Many property owners find themselves in this situation and feel confused, stressed, or unsure of what to do next. The good news is this: pre-foreclosure does not mean you’ve lost your house yet. You still have options.
In this guide, we’ll break everything down in plain language so you can understand what pre-foreclosure is, how it happens, and what steps you can take before things move further.
What Is Pre-Foreclosure?
Pre-foreclosure is the time after a lender has sent a notice about missed payments but before the property is taken or sold.
In other words, it’s a warning stage.
During pre-foreclosure:
- You are behind on payments
- The lender has started the legal process
- You still own the property
- You still have time to act
Because of this, many people use this time to explore solutions rather than wait until the last minute.
How Does Pre-Foreclosure Start?
Pre-foreclosure usually begins when payments are missed for several months. While timelines vary, most lenders start the process after 90 days of missed payments.
Here’s what typically happens:
- Payments fall behind
- The lender sends notices by mail
- A public notice may be filed
- Pre-foreclosure officially begins
At this stage, ignoring the problem can make things worse. However, taking action early can open the door to better outcomes.
Why Property Owners End Up in Pre-Foreclosure
Life happens. Most people don’t fall behind because they planned to.
Common reasons include:
- Job loss or reduced income
- Medical bills
- Divorce or separation
- Death of a loved one
- Rising expenses
- Unexpected repairs
Because these situations can happen quickly, many owners feel overwhelmed before they even know where to turn.
What Happens If Nothing Is Done?
If no action is taken, pre-foreclosure can move into full foreclosure. This means:
- The property may be auctioned
- Credit damage becomes more severe
- You lose control over the outcome
That’s why pre-foreclosure is such an important window. You still have choices during this time.
Options During Pre-Foreclosure
Many property owners facing pre-foreclosure choose to explore solutions before the situation worsens.
1. Talk to the Lender
Some lenders may offer:
- Payment plans
- Temporary pauses
- Loan modifications
This can help in certain cases, but approval isn’t guaranteed.
You can learn more about lender options from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
👉 https://www.hud.gov/topics/avoiding_foreclosure
2. Sell the Property Before Foreclosure
Selling during pre-foreclosure can:
- Stop the foreclosure process
- Protect your credit from further damage
- Give you more control and clarity
However, selling traditionally often requires repairs, showings, and time — which many owners don’t have.
This is where selling as-is for cash can make a real difference.
3. Work With a Cash Property Buyer
Companies like Royal Lion Homes specialize in helping owners who need a fast, straightforward solution.
At Royal Lion Homes:
- We buy properties as-is
- We don’t charge commissions or fees
- We move on your timeline
- We work directly with you and the lender
Most importantly, we focus on solutions that reduce stress — not add to it.
Many property owners choose to work with companies that buy properties in Erie County, New York, and understand time-sensitive situations such as pre-foreclosure.
You can learn more about pre-foreclosure assistance from the government here:
👉 usa.gov/avoid-foreclosure or New York State Department of Financial Services
How Royal Lion Homes Helps in Pre-Foreclosure
Pre-foreclosure can feel personal — because it is. That’s why our approach is simple, honest, and pressure-free.
Here’s how we typically help:
- We listen to your situation
- We explain your options clearly
- We make a fair cash offer
- We coordinate with the lender when needed
- We close quickly so you can move forward
Because we buy properties directly, there’s no waiting for buyers, inspections, or bank approvals. This often allows owners to avoid foreclosure entirely.
Why Acting Early Matters
The earlier you act during pre-foreclosure, the more options you usually have. Waiting until the last moment often limits choices and increases stress.
Even if you’re unsure what you want to do, getting information early puts you back in control.
Final Thoughts
Pre-foreclosure is serious, but it’s not the end of the road. Many property owners use this time to find solutions that protect their future and give them peace of mind.
Whether you choose to work with your lender, sell the property, or explore a cash offer, the most important step is not doing nothing.
If you’re facing pre-foreclosure and want to understand your options, Royal Lion Homes is here to help — with clarity, respect, and no pressure.