If you’re behind on your mortgage payments, you’re probably feeling a mix of stress, fear, and uncertainty. You may be avoiding phone calls (and if you aren’t you are dealing with the agonizing conversations with debt collectors), ignoring letters, or wondering how things got this far. I want to start by telling you something important: you are not alone, and yes — you can still sell your house, even if you’re behind.
I’ve been buying houses all over the New Orleans metro area for over 20 years, and this is one of the most common situations I see. Job loss, medical bills, rising insurance costs (this is #1 the last few years), divorce, or unexpected repairs can put even responsible homeowners in a tough spot. Falling behind doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it means life happened.
Let’s break this down in simple terms and talk about your real options.
First Things First: Being Behind Doesn’t Mean It’s Too Late
Many homeowners assume that once they miss payments, their only option is foreclosure. That’s not true.
In most cases, you still own the home until the foreclosure process is completed. That means you usually still have the legal right to sell the property and pay off the mortgage up until the day it goes to sheriff’s auction— even if you’re several months behind.
The key is timing.
The earlier you act, the more options you have.
Understanding Where You Are in the Process
If you’re behind on payments, you’re usually in one of these stages:
· Early delinquency (1–3 missed payments)
· Pre-foreclosure (notice of default or legal notice filed)
· Active foreclosure timeline (court dates or sale scheduled)
At any of these stages, selling may still be possible. The biggest mistake I see homeowners make is waiting too long because they’re overwhelmed or embarrassed. Waiting rarely makes things better — it just reduces your options. Mainly because the longer you wait the more fees and interest and penalties they pile on
Real New Orleans Home Owners Give Real Reviews.
See how homeowners like you sold their houses fast for cash, without the usual difficulties.
Paul D.
“Carl made the selling super easy.”
A pleasure to do business with this company. I really appreciate everything Carl did to make the selling of my property super easy. I highly recommend this business. Carl is the best!
Janice L.
“Felt very comfortable, friendly, and empathetic.”
Mr. Carl was very business-like yet friendly and empathetic to my needs. I felt very comfortable with selling my home to him and would highly recommend him to my friends.
Option 1: Catch Up or Modify the Loan (If Possible)
For some people, a loan modification, forbearance, or repayment plan can work. This depends on your income, lender, and long-term situation.
But here’s the honest truth:
If the payment is no longer affordable, catching up may only delay the problem.
If you’re already stretched thin, it’s important to think long-term, not just about getting through the next month.
Option 2: Sell the House Traditionally (Often Difficult)
In theory, you can list your home with an agent and sell it on the open market. In reality, this can be tough if you’re behind.
Why?
· Traditional sales take 45–60 days or more
· You may need repairs or updates
· Buyers rely on financing, which can fall through
· You’re still responsible for payments while waiting to close
If foreclosure deadlines are looming, this option often moves too slowly..
Option 3: Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer (The Fastest Route)
For many homeowners behind on payments, this is the simplest and most realistic option.
When you sell to a legitimate local cash buyer:
· You don’t need to catch up on payments first
· You don’t make repairs
· You don’t clean or stage
· There are no agent commissions
· Closings can happen quickly — sometimes in days
The mortgage is paid off at closing, and any remaining equity goes to you.
I’ve helped many homeowners sell their house before foreclosure, allowing them to avoid further damage to their credit and walk away with dignity instead of stress..
How Do I Sell My Home Fast in New Orleans?
Our goal is to provide a convenient, transparent, and professional home selling experience for our clients. Our three-step process will ensure that you receive the level of service that you deserve. Our approach is unique because it’s consultative. We want to learn about every prospective client’s unique situation and figure out the best way to help. Check out how our simple home buying process works.
Check Out How It Works
Learn exactly how we develop our offers and how the process works. It’s really very simple & easy.
Learn More About us
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Get Your Cash Offer
Fill in the form and we’ll contact you with your offer! There is no pressure & no obligation to accept.
What If I Owe More Than the House Is Worth?
This is a common concern. If you’re upside down, options may include:
· Negotiating with the lender
· A short sale (which takes time and lender approval)
· Exploring foreclosure alternatives
Even in these situations, it’s worth having a conversation. Every case is different, and many homeowners are surprised by what’s possible once all the numbers are reviewed..
Why Working with Someone Local Matters
There are plenty of national companies that advertise “we buy houses fast,” but many of them:
· Don’t actually buy the house
· Tie you up in a contract
· Try to renegotiate at the last minute
· Aren’t familiar with local laws or timelines
Wasting your time is never a good thing but when there are legal deadlines it can be detrimental.
A true local house buyer understands the foreclosure process, works with local title attorneys, and knows how to move quickly when time matters.
Experience matters most when someone’s home — and peace of mind — is on the line.
A Note About Giving Back
One thing I’m especially proud of is that for every home we buy, we donate $100 to the Manning Family Children’s Hospital. Over the past few years, those donations have added up to more than $10,000, and we’re committed to continuing that mission into 2026.
Helping homeowners through difficult moments while also giving back to the community is something we take seriously.
You Still Have Control
If you’re behind on your mortgage, it can feel like everything is slipping away. But selling your house is often a way to take control back, avoid foreclosure, and move forward without the weight of constant stress.
You don’t have to figure this out alone, and you don’t need to make a decision today.
If you want to talk through your situation or see what a cash sale might look like — with no pressure and no obligation — I’m here to help.
Visit NOLABuysHouses.com
Or call/text 504-264-1407
Even if you’re behind, you still have options.