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Short sale & foreclosure help

Blog & Videos

Plain-English answers for California homeowners who are behind on their mortgage, facing foreclosure or thinking about a short sale. Written by Andrés Morales, Certified Short Sale Expert®.

Articles

Foreclosure basics5 min read

Behind on Your Mortgage? What to Do Before Foreclosure Starts

Falling behind doesn't mean you've run out of options. Here's what to do early, while you still have the most choices.

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Short sales5 min read

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure: What's the Real Difference?

Foreclosure happens to you. A short sale happens with you. Here's how the two compare on control, credit, timing and what you might still owe.

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Short sales5 min read

Can I Sell My Home If I'm Behind on Payments?

Yes. As long as the home is still in your name, you can usually sell it. Here's how it works and why timing matters.

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Foreclosure basics6 min read

What Happens If My Home Goes to Foreclosure? A Step-by-Step Timeline

Foreclosure is a process, not a single event. Here's how it unfolds in California and where your options still exist.

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After the sale5 min read

What Happens to My Credit If I Do a Short Sale?

A short sale isn't a credit death sentence. Here's how it compares to foreclosure and how soon you may be able to buy again.

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Short sales4 min read

What Is a Hardship Letter, and Why Does the Lender Need It?

A hardship letter isn't about begging. It's a short, honest explanation of what changed. Here's what to include.

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After the sale5 min read

Will I Still Owe Money After a Short Sale?

What a deficiency is, how loan type and California law affect it, and why the approval letter is everything.

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Liens & title5 min read

Can I Short Sell a Home with a Second Mortgage or HELOC?

Yes, but every lienholder has to agree to release its lien. Here's how second-loan negotiations work.

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Liens & title5 min read

What Happens to HOA Liens in a Short Sale?

HOA balances grow fast and can stall a sale late in the process. Here's how they're handled and negotiated.

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Liens & title5 min read

Do Judgments Have to Be Paid in a Short Sale?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on whether the judgment is recorded against your property. Here's how to tell.

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Videos

Short videos that answer the questions homeowners ask most.

Video coming soonForeclosure isn't your only option

Foreclosure isn't your only option

What to do in the first 30 days after you fall behind.

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Video coming soonShort sale vs. foreclosure in 2 minutes

Short sale vs. foreclosure in 2 minutes

The real difference, and why control matters.

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Video coming soonCan I sell if I'm behind on payments?

Can I sell if I'm behind on payments?

Yes. Here's how it works.

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Video coming soonThe California foreclosure timeline

The California foreclosure timeline

From the first missed payment to the trustee sale.

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Video coming soonWhat happens to my credit?

What happens to my credit?

Short sale vs. foreclosure, and buying again.

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Video coming soonHow to write a hardship letter

How to write a hardship letter

What lenders need to see, in plain English.

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Video coming soonWill I still owe money after a short sale?

Will I still owe money after a short sale?

Deficiencies, waivers and California protections.

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Video coming soonSecond mortgages and HELOCs

Second mortgages and HELOCs

How we negotiate with the second lender.

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Video coming soonHOA liens: the hidden problem

HOA liens: the hidden problem

Why a small balance becomes a big one.

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Video coming soonForeclosure rescue scams

Foreclosure rescue scams

Red flags every homeowner should know.

Video coming soonWhat to gather for your short sale

What to gather for your short sale

The documents your lender will ask for.

Video coming soonA message for veterans

A message for veterans

VA loans, compromise sales and your options.

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