Real Answers to Common Florida Homeowner Questions

We’ve taken the top questions from local homeowners and added some quick, honest answers based on what we see every week. Whether you’re in Duval, Clay, or St. Johns County, these answers will help you understand your options when you need to sell fast or get back on track financially.

1. What happens if I miss another mortgage payment—can I still get a cash offer?

Yes, absolutely. Missing payments doesn’t disqualify you from selling. In fact, most people who call us have already missed one or more payments. The key is to act before the foreclosure sale date is set. We can often stop the process by working with your lender or closing before it goes to auction. In Florida, you usually have time—use it wisely.

2. How soon can I get cash after accepting an offer on my home?

Once we sign an agreement, closing can take as little as 7 days if the title is clear. The funds are sent directly to you by the title company—no waiting weeks for a buyer’s loan to fund. We’ve had sellers in Orange Park get paid within 72 hours of accepting an offer because everything was ready to go.

3. Will selling to a cash buyer stop foreclosure proceedings?

In many cases, yes. If your home hasn’t gone to auction yet, we can often work with your lender and title company to stop the process. Timing is everything, though—once the sale date hits, it’s out of the lender’s hands. We always encourage homeowners to reach out sooner rather than later to preserve more options.

4. Can I sell my home if I’m already 90 days behind?

Yes. Being 90 days or even 120 days behind doesn’t mean you’ve lost your home yet. Florida’s foreclosure timeline gives you some breathing room. We’ve helped families in Middleburg and Jacksonville sell while three or four months behind. The goal is to close before the bank sets a court date or auction.

5. What if I can’t afford repairs?

No problem. We buy homes completely as-is. Whether the roof leaks, the AC is out, or the kitchen hasn’t been updated since the 90s—it’s fine. We take care of everything after closing. Many sellers tell us that not having to deal with repairs is the biggest relief of all.

6. How much cash can I expect after paying off my overdue mortgage?

That depends on your equity—the difference between your home’s value and what’s owed on your loan. We’ll calculate everything upfront so you know exactly what you’ll walk away with after paying off the bank. Even if you have very little equity, we can often structure creative options that help you avoid foreclosure and get something in your pocket.

7. Can I get a cash advance before closing?

In some situations, yes. We occasionally provide a small earnest deposit or early release of funds for moving expenses, depending on the deal. This is handled legally through the title company so you’re protected and everything is documented.

8. What are my options if I’m facing eviction due to unpaid mortgage or taxes?

First, don’t panic—you may still have time to sell before the situation escalates. A fast cash sale can often prevent eviction by paying off the lender or tax collector before the legal process finishes. We’ve worked with homeowners in Clay County who were just days away from sheriff’s eviction and still closed in time.

9. Do cash buyers cover my closing costs if I’m short on money?

Yes, we do. Our offers include covering typical seller closing costs like title fees, recording, and transfer taxes. That means the number you see is what you take home—no hidden deductions at closing.

10. How does selling for cash affect my ability to rent or buy again?

Most of our sellers are able to rent right away since selling for cash doesn’t hurt your credit like foreclosure does. In fact, closing before foreclosure can help preserve your score and make it easier to qualify for a future loan. Many of our past clients rent for a year or two, then buy again with a clean slate.

11. Can I sell my house during foreclosure before the auction date?

Yes—you can sell anytime before the final auction. The bank just wants their loan paid off, and a cash sale accomplishes that. As long as we can close before the court-ordered sale date, you can walk away with dignity and avoid a foreclosure on your record.

12. How long do I have to sell before the bank takes my home?

It varies by county, but Florida foreclosures often take several months to finalize. Once a “Notice of Sale” is filed, the auction date is typically 30 to 45 days out. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly—once it’s scheduled, there’s very little time left to sell.

13. What’s the difference between a short sale and a cash offer?

A short sale requires the bank’s approval to accept less than what’s owed—it can take months. A cash sale doesn’t. With our process, we make an offer directly, and if it covers what’s owed, we close fast and you’re done. No waiting for lender committees or multiple signatures.

14. Will selling for cash protect my credit?

Yes, compared to foreclosure, a voluntary cash sale looks much better on your record. It shows that you paid off your loan responsibly. Many people in Jacksonville and Green Cove Springs use this route to recover faster and qualify for future credit.

15. Can cash buyers help if my home is underwater?

Yes, depending on your lender and the numbers involved. We can negotiate with the bank or structure a “subject-to” deal to take over payments if it makes sense for both sides. You’re not stuck—there are more options than most people realize, and we’ll walk you through them step-by-step.

Remember, whether you’re dealing with late payments, repairs, probate, or divorce, there’s always a path forward. Every week we meet people who thought they had no options—and then closed quickly with cash in hand. If you’re ready to see what’s possible, reach out today. We’re neighbors helping neighbors, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.