In most cases, yes. Selling before the auction is one way Lake Mary homeowners avoid a completed foreclosure, because Florida homeowners generally keep the right to sell until the foreclosure sale is finalized. Whether it is the right move for you depends on your equity, your timeline, and where your case currently stands.
Free, unbiased help: before signing anything, you can talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor at no cost — find one near you or call HUD at (800) 569-4287. Your lender or servicer may also be able to discuss a repayment plan, modification, or forbearance directly.
Selling your house before foreclosure in Lake Mary, FL: You can generally sell any time before the foreclosure sale, and the sale proceeds pay off the mortgage. If you owe more than the home is worth, a short sale needs your lender’s approval. Free, unbiased help is available from a HUD-approved housing counselor. Certainly Sold charges no upfront fees; any commission is paid at closing.
By Ray Nadeau · Licensed Florida Broker BK3344407 | Kelly Nadeau · Licensed Florida Broker BK3344334 · Certainly Sold · Last updated: October 21, 2026
Florida homeowners generally retain the right to sell a home at any point before a foreclosure sale is finalized at public auction, even after a lawsuit has been filed — as long as the sale closes before the auction date. Whether that's realistic for your situation depends on how much time is actually left, what the home is worth, and what's owed against it. This page is general information, not a promise about what will happen in any specific case.
A completed foreclosure can affect your credit for years and can affect how soon you may qualify for future financing. A traditional sale that pays off the mortgage in full generally has a different, typically less severe credit impact than a completed foreclosure — though missed payments leading up to it will still appear.
If you have equity in your home, a sale can put proceeds in your pocket after the loan and closing costs are paid. If you owe more than the home is worth, a short sale may be worth exploring with your lender. Every situation is different, and this isn't a guarantee of any particular result.
Get a Free Home Value AssessmentThe options realistically available to you depend on where your case stands in Florida's foreclosure process. A private conversation can help you understand your general timeline and what your home may be worth right now.
(407) 544-4704This is a real estate sale with an added timeline to be aware of. Here's generally what the process can look like.
A current market analysis of your home — what it may be worth today, and what you might net after the mortgage and closing costs — is usually the starting point.
Where you are in the Florida foreclosure process — notices received, a lawsuit filed, a judgment entered — affects how much time is realistically available. An attorney is the right resource for confirming exact deadlines.
A traditional listing, a cash buyer, or a short sale may each fit different situations depending on your timeline and equity. What fits depends on your specific numbers.
Listing, showings, offers, and negotiation follow the same general path as any home sale, just on a tighter timeline. Closing timeframes vary by buyer type and financing.
At closing, the mortgage and other valid obligations are paid from the proceeds through the closing process, and any remaining funds go to the seller.
A general comparison — your specific situation may differ.
| What Happens | Sell Before Foreclosure | Let Foreclosure Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Equity / proceeds | You generally keep what remains after payoff and costs | Proceeds go to satisfy the judgment; any surplus requires a separate legal claim process and isn't automatic |
| Credit impact | Typically limited to the missed-payment history | A completed foreclosure is generally a more damaging entry, and can remain on record for years |
| Control over timeline | You and the buyer generally set the closing date | The court and sale process set the date |
| Public record | A standard sale, generally handled privately | A public courthouse sale |
General comparison for informational purposes only — not a guarantee of any outcome. Specific results depend on your loan, your lender, and your case.
You don't need every answer before reaching out — this just makes the first conversation more useful.
In most cases, yes. Florida homeowners generally retain the right to sell at any point before a foreclosure sale is finalized at auction, even after a lawsuit has been filed, as long as the sale closes first. Every case is different — an attorney can confirm your specific deadlines.
Timelines vary by buyer type and financing. A traditional financed sale generally takes longer than a cash sale. The right approach depends on how much time is realistically available in your situation.
A sale that pays off the mortgage in full generally has a different, typically less severe credit impact than a completed foreclosure, though missed payments leading up to it will still show. This isn't a guarantee — a credit or financial professional can speak to your specific situation.
A short sale may be worth exploring — this requires your lender's approval of a sale price below the loan balance, and generally takes longer than a traditional sale. Tax and legal consequences should be reviewed with the appropriate professionals.
Florida generally requires sellers to disclose material facts affecting a property's value. Once a lis pendens is filed, it's a matter of public record, and it's typically disclosed as part of a sale. This doesn't prevent a sale — many buyers purchase homes in this situation.
Not necessarily. A summons means a lawsuit has been filed, but the Florida court process can take a meaningful amount of time. Reaching out sooner generally means more options, not fewer.
A free, no-obligation conversation. We'll go over what your home may be worth, generally how much time you have, and what's worth considering next.
(407) 544-4704NOT LEGAL, TAX, OR FINANCIAL ADVICE. This page provides general real estate information only and is not legal, tax, credit, or financial advice. Foreclosure timelines, deadlines, and legal rights vary by case. Consult a licensed Florida attorney and, where relevant, a tax professional regarding your specific situation.
REAL ESTATE SERVICES — Certainly Sold provides real estate brokerage services in the State of Florida. Florida Broker Lic. #BK3344407. Equal Housing Opportunity.
MORTGAGE SERVICES — Mortgage financing services referenced on this site are offered through Equity Smart Home Loans, CA NMLS #856170, DRE #01906808, 1499 Huntington Dr Suite 500, South Pasadena, CA 91030 (Florida license MBR-2341). Ray Nadeau, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1027617. All loan programs subject to borrower qualification, underwriting guidelines, and program availability. Not a commitment to lend.
REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE SERVICES DISCLOSURE — Real estate brokerage services and mortgage financing services are separate services. You are not required to use Equity Smart Home Loans, Ray Nadeau, or any particular lender to sell your home through Certainly Sold — you are free to choose any lender of your choice.
© 2026 CertainlySold.net · The Nadeau Team · Ray Nadeau, Licensed Florida Broker BK3344407 · Kelly Nadeau, Licensed Florida Broker BK3344334 · Equal Housing Opportunity · Market data approximate.
Certainly Sold provides real estate brokerage services in the State of Florida. Florida Broker Lic. #BK3344407. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Mortgage financing services are offered through Equity Smart Home Loans, CA NMLS #856170, DRE #01906808, 1499 Huntington Dr Suite 500, South Pasadena, CA 91030 (Florida license MBR-2341). Ray Nadeau, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1027617. All loan programs, terms, eligibility and approvals are subject to borrower qualification, property qualification, underwriting guidelines, condominium project requirements, lender requirements, and program availability. Not all borrowers, properties, or condominium projects will qualify. Nothing on this website constitutes a commitment to lend or a guarantee of financing.
Real estate brokerage services and mortgage financing services are separate services. Consumers are not required to use Equity Smart Home Loans or any particular mortgage lender as a condition of listing, selling, purchasing, or otherwise using Certainly Sold's real estate brokerage services. Consumers are free to choose the lender and other settlement service providers of their choice.
Condominium financing availability may depend on borrower qualifications, property characteristics, condominium project eligibility, association financials, insurance coverage, reserves, special assessments, litigation, occupancy, and individual lender/program requirements. References to alternative or specialized financing options do not mean every borrower, property, or condominium project will qualify.
Any property value, condo value, comparative market analysis, or saleability review provided through this website is for informational purposes only and is not an appraisal. No representation or guarantee is made regarding a property's market value, eventual sales price, financing availability, or successful closing.