If you’re in foreclosure and wondering, “Can I sell my home?”—the answer is yes. But in my over 15 years of serving homeowners in Rochester NY, I’ve learned that selling in foreclosure isn’t just about paperwork and payoffs—it’s about compassion, patience, and persistence.
This is the true story of one seller we helped over a 500-day journey. Her situation was complicated. The house had mounting debt, the bank wanted their money, and she was emotionally and financially overwhelmed. But with teamwork, creativity, and empathy, we got to the finish line.
Here’s how it happened.
When Foreclosure Feels Like a Dead End
This Rochester homeowner reached out to us after she had stopped making mortgage payments. She could no longer maintain or afford the property. Her home was in active foreclosure, and every day that passed brought her closer to losing everything.
At Brett Buys Roc Houses LLC, we’re no strangers to tough situations—but this one would test every ounce of our experience and creativity.
We had two options:
1. Pursue a Short Sale
This is typically a last resort when the debt exceeds the home’s value. It requires bank approval to sell the home for less than what’s owed.
👉 Learn what a short sale is here
2. Assume the Mortgage
We considered taking over her mortgage and simply paying down the remaining balance while renovating and reselling the home. Since her mortgage payment was smaller than the cash it would take to buy the property outright, it gave us room to help other homeowners in need. Creative solutions like this allow us to serve more people.
But then came the curveball…
The $55,000 Surprise That Changed Everything
When title work came back, we discovered $55,000 in hidden debt—unrelated liens and judgments that couldn’t be ignored. That ruled out the mortgage assumption. It was either pay the full amount, which didn’t make financial sense, or pursue a short sale.
This is where our rockstar short sale agent came in—Monroe County’s only certified short sale specialist. With his help, we launched into what would become a 500-day journey.
500 Days of Persistence, Paperwork, and Patience
A short sale isn’t easy. We worked relentlessly with the bank, submitted documentation over and over again, and stayed in constant contact with the seller.
But we didn’t stop there.
- We helped the seller prepare for her move
- We paid for storage to make the transition easier
- We offered emotional support every step of the way
Most buyers would’ve walked away. Few want to spend 500 days chasing a deal—and even fewer would cover moving expenses out-of-pocket. But at Brett Buys Roc Houses LLC, we do things differently.
Why? Because we’re here to serve—not just to buy homes.
Compassion Over Contracts
This wasn’t just about real estate. This was about a woman in distress, facing one of the hardest chapters of her life. We knew what she needed most was empathy, kindness, and people she could trust.
We delivered all of that—and then some.
Thanks to our experience and strong relationships with local attorneys and negotiators, we finally got the deal approved. She was able to walk away without foreclosure on her record, without the emotional burden, and with the dignity she deserved.
Can You Sell in Foreclosure? Absolutely—If You Work With the Right Team
If you’re searching for “can I sell in foreclosure” or “how to sell during foreclosure in Rochester NY,” know this: you can. But not all buyers are created equal.
Work with someone who:
- Understands creative financing
- Knows how to navigate banks and title issues
- Is willing to wait—and fight—for your success
Most importantly, work with someone who sees you as more than just a transaction.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Foreclosure doesn’t mean you’re out of options. But the earlier you act, the more choices you have. If you’re behind on payments and feel overwhelmed, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Visit brettbuysrochouses.com to talk with someone who’s been solving problems for over 15 years in Rochester NY.
We’ve helped sellers out of foreclosure, out of tax liens, and out of tight timelines—and we’re ready to help you, too.
No pressure. No judgment. Just real solutions, from a real local team.