Facing foreclosure can be overwhelming, especially when legal notices and lender communications start arriving at your doorstep. Many Maryland homeowners assume that once foreclosure begins, selling their house is no longer possible. In many cases, that isn’t true.
While foreclosure does involve strict timelines, homeowners often still have the ability to sell their property and avoid an auction.
The key is understanding how the Maryland foreclosure process works and acting before critical deadlines pass.
Understanding the Foreclosure Process in Maryland
Primarily, Maryland uses a judicial foreclosure process, meaning foreclosure involves formal legal steps and court filings. Foreclosure typically begins after missed mortgage payments and progresses through a series of notices and filings before a home is ever auctioned.
In general, the process includes:
- A notice of intent to foreclose from the lender
- The filing of an order to docket, which officially starts the foreclosure case
- An opportunity for the homeowner to pursue loss mitigation or mediation
- Scheduling of a foreclosure sale if no resolution is reached
Until the foreclosure auction actually takes place, homeowners generally retain ownership of the property and the ability to sell.
When Can You Sell a House in Foreclosure?
In Maryland, homeowners can usually sell their house up until the foreclosure auction occurs. Even if foreclosure paperwork has already been filed, a sale can still stop the process, as long as the transaction closes before the auction date.
Timing is critical.
Federal servicing rules prevent lenders from starting foreclosure immediately, which creates an early window known as pre-foreclosure. Selling during this period is often the most effective way to avoid added legal costs, mounting fees, and long-term credit damage.
It’s important to note that simply putting the home under contract does not stop foreclosure. The sale must fully close, and the lender must be paid in full, including missed payments, late fees, and legal expenses. Once that happens, the foreclosure action is typically withdrawn from the public record.
A Faster Option for Homeowners in Pre-Foreclosure
For homeowners who need to sell quickly, traditional listings may not be realistic. Showings, inspections, repairs, and financing delays can make it difficult to close before foreclosure deadlines.
At Dominion Properties, we buy houses in pre-foreclosure and foreclosure throughout Maryland. We purchase homes as-is, with no repairs required, no agent fees, and no showings. Our process is designed to move quickly and align with foreclosure timelines, giving homeowners a clear path forward.
You Still Have Options
Foreclosure does not mean your options are gone, but timing matters. Understanding the process and acting early can make the difference between a forced auction and a controlled sale.
If you’re asking, “Can I still sell my house in foreclosure?” the answer is often yes, especially when you work with a buyer who understands Maryland foreclosure laws and deadlines.
Dominion Properties is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.