Behind on your mortgage and thinking about selling? Learn how to do it right.
You can usually still sell while you're behind, and there's more than one way to do it. Tell me about the house and I'll walk you through your options.
Hi, I'm Ross Kilburn, founder of American Default Research. Over the last two decades I've helped more than 2,000 homeowners through times like this, and when you reach out, you'll hear back from me personally.
I can't help with homes in Washington.
A HUD-approved housing counselor can, for free. Counselors are advisers approved by the government who can go over your options with your mortgage company. Call (800) 569-4287.
I didn't save anything you typed.
Got it, thanks. I have your request.
What happens next
I'll read what you sent, then call you. You said any time works. I'll go over your options with you, and you decide what to do. There's no obligation.
Free help, whatever you decide
A HUD-approved housing counselor is a free adviser, approved by the government, who can go over your options with your mortgage company. You can reach one at (800) 569-4287.
Read the free foreclosure guides →What are your options if you're behind and ready to sell?
There are four common paths. Which one fits depends on what the house is worth, what you owe, and how much time you have.
Sell with an agent
If the house is worth more than you owe, a regular sale pays off the loan, including what's past due, and the rest is yours.
Short sale
If you owe more than the house would sell for, the lender can agree to take less. The lender decides, and it takes longer than a regular sale.
Deed in lieu
You hand the house back to the lender instead of selling it. The lender has to agree, and you leave with no sale money.
Keep the home
If you'd rather stay, a HUD-approved housing counselor, a free adviser approved by the government, can go over your options with your mortgage company. Call (800) 569-4287.
General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and deadlines differ by state.
How does this work?
- 1
Tell me about the house
The address, where things stand, and your timeline. Rough numbers if you have them.
- 2
I'll call you
I'll go over your options with you, including the ones that don't involve selling.
- 3
You decide
If selling fits, I'll connect you with a local agent. If it doesn't, you don't owe anyone anything.
Why talk to me
I was COO of Ark Law Group, PLLC, a foreclosure defense firm. I founded Seattle Short Sales, Inc. and wrote Short Sale Your Home.
I also run American Default, which publishes the American Distress Index: a quarterly score of how U.S. households are keeping up with their bills.
The latest score is 47.0 for Q2 2026, in its typical range.
American Distress Index →Common questions
Can I sell my house if I'm behind on payments?
In most cases, yes, up until the foreclosure sale. The sale pays off the loan, including what's past due. If the house is worth less than you owe, the lender has to approve a short sale. Deadlines depend on your state.
What does this cost me?
Nothing. I'm not paid for connecting you with an agent, and the agent doesn't pay me.
Do I have to sell if I fill this out?
No. Talking it through doesn't commit you to anything.
Who sees my information?
Only me. I don't sell it. If you choose to work with an agent, I share it with that agent and no one else.
Are you with the government or my lender?
No. I'm not with any government agency or lender, and neither is American Default.
Start with the address.
Five short questions. I read every request myself.
Free help, separate from selling
A HUD-approved housing counselor is a free adviser, approved by the government, who can go over your options with your mortgage company. They help whether or not you ever sell. Call (800) 569-4287.
Opportunity
American Default is not affiliated with any government agency or lender. Ross Kilburn is not paid for referrals. He keeps your information private and never sells it.