Selling a House in Foreclosure? This NY Family Waited — and Lost $39K

Esphir Popilevsky
Esphir Popilevsky
Published on June 24, 2025

When you’re behind on your mortgage, every decision, or delay — matters.
This is the true story of a New York family who thought they were buying time. By the time they sold their house, foreclosure had already drained $39,000 from their equity.

Watch the video below to see exactly what happened, and how to avoid losing your equity if you’re behind on payments.

https://youtu.be/G8v69sfmBwY?si=vyOE_cbHRaJSbzGG

Let me show you what happened, and how to avoid losing your equity if you’re behind on payments.

They Had Equity, But Didn’t Realize How Fast It Was Disappearing.

This homeowner had about $120,000 in equity when they first called me.
Their mortgage was past due, but they still had time to sell before things got worse.

The plan was simple:
List the home, attract serious buyers, and close the sale before the lender tacked on thousands in legal and default fees.

But instead… they hesitated. They weren’t emotionally ready.
They wanted to “wait until summer.”
They asked for “just a little more time.”

Meanwhile, the foreclosure process kept moving, quietly and expensively.

Here’s What Waiting Cost Them:

By the time we finally got the home under contract:

  • Attorney fees were added to the payoff
  • Forced-placed insurance was added
  • Inspection fees, missed payments, and late fees were stacked on top
  • And interest was accruing the entire time

When the final payoff came in, $39,000 of their equity had vanished, all of it going to the bank.

They sold the home, yes. But they walked away with much less than they should have.

🔥 If You’re Selling a House in Foreclosure, Here’s What You Need to Know:

1. Every month you wait, your lender adds fees.
Foreclosure doesn’t stand still. Even when no one’s knocking at your door, your balance is growing behind the scenes.

2. You do NOT need to be out of the house to sell.
Many homeowners wait because they don’t know where they’ll go next. But the earlier you list, the more options (and equity) you have to work with.

3. The bank doesn’t care how much equity you had, they’ll take what they’re owed first.
They’re not in the business of protecting your profit. That’s why you need someone who is.

Want to Keep Your Equity?

Selling a house in foreclosure doesn’t have to end in regret.
But you do need to act early, before court dates, legal fees, and lender costs erase what’s yours.

If you’re in New York or New Jersey, I’ll guide you step-by-step.
And if you’re in another state, I’ll connect you with someone I trust.

📞 Schedule a free consultation
No pressure. No shame. Just real options.

🔗 Read Next: What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Sell

🔗 Watch Next: How to Sell a House in Foreclosure — Step-by-Step

Selling a House in Foreclosure — Common Questions

📌 FAQ :

Q: Can I sell my house after foreclosure has started?

A: Yes. In New York and New Jersey, you can still sell your house during the foreclosure process, even after receiving a summons or court date. The key is acting before the auction is scheduled.

Q: What costs get added while I wait to sell?

A: Legal fees, missed payments, late charges, forced insurance, and property inspections. These get added to your final payoff and reduce how much equity you walk away with.

Q: Do I need to move out before listing the house?

A: No. Many homeowners stay in their home until closing. With the right agent and a clear timeline, you can sell the home while still living in it, and plan your next steps without panic.

If you’re behind on payments and asking, Can I still sell my house in foreclosure? this is your starting point. WATCH NEXT: https://youtu.be/8pD-6S64jcc Inside, I break down: What pre-foreclosure really means (and what most homeowners misunderstand) The hidden fees and lender tactics that eat away your equity The difference between selling your house before foreclosure starts vs. waiting too long.

How to decide whether to fight to keep the house or sell your home to avoid foreclosure Whether you’re in New York or New Jersey, selling a home in foreclosure is possible, but timing is everything. And knowing your options can save you thousands. Thinking about staying? Download my FREE Hardship Letter Template, the first thing the bank looks at when deciding whether to work with you. 📩 https://supremehomesales.com/sample-hardship-letter/

👇 WATCH NEXT: 10 Mistakes That Cost You Thousands When Selling in Foreclosure. https://youtu.be/VAInZjALuDk Not sure if selling is the right move? I’ll show you how acting early can help you protect your equity, avoid legal fees, and close on your terms, even if the house isn’t perfect.

📍 I help homeowners in NY & NJ. Outside these states? I’ll connect you with someone who can help. Book a 15 Minute Meeting With Me on Zoom: https://calendly.com/foreclosurefreedomdesk/30min

Don’t List Your Home! Get a guaranteed CASH OFFER and selling OPTIONS compared to listing on the market. Visit: GETAHOMECASHOFFER.com

Unlock the EQUITY in Your HOME with a No-Obligation CASH OFFER! Find out if you have equity in your home at no cost. Receive a fair CASH OFFER without any commitment to accept. Visit: https://www.StatenIslandForeclosures.info

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#foreclosurefreedom #stopNYforeclosure #stopNJforeclosure

Esphir Popilevsky NY & NJ Licensed Real Estate Broker NY: Supreme Home Sales, Inc. and NJ: DreamLife Realty 44 Robin Ct. Staten island, NY 10309 O: 718.689.4737 / Direct: 917.579.4455 supremehomesales@gmail.com https://www.supremehomesales.com Subscribe to this channel https://www.youtube.com/c/EsphirPopilevsky

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