How to Stop Foreclosure Fast: Your Options as a Homeowner in 2025

Foreclosure Isn’t the End — It’s a Turning Point

If you're reading this, you're likely under serious stress. Facing foreclosure is overwhelming, and if you're in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, or anywhere across Hampton Roads or the coasts of the U.S., you might feel like your options are running out. But here's the truth:

You have more control than you think.

In this guide, we break down exactly how to stop foreclosure fast in 2025—whether you're behind on payments, dealing with job loss, or simply feeling stuck.

What Is Foreclosure, and Why Is It Happening?

Foreclosure is the legal process lenders use to recover the balance on a loan when a borrower stops making payments. It can happen to anyone—even good people who hit hard times.

Here in Virginia and across the U.S., the timeline typically starts after 90 days of missed payments. From there, things can move fast:

Pre-foreclosure: You may get a notice of default.
Auction date: Your home could be scheduled for sale.
Post-foreclosure: The property becomes bank-owned (REO).

The sooner you act, the more options you have.

Your Options to Stop Foreclosure (Even Last-Minute)

Whether you're in Hampton Roads or on the West Coast, these are your primary strategies:

1. Loan Modification

Negotiate with your lender to change the terms of your loan—lowering your payment or extending the loan term.

2. Forbearance

Temporarily pause or reduce your payments while you get back on your feet. Often used after job loss or medical emergencies.

3. Sell Your House Before Auction

You can sell your home—even if it needs work. Selling fast in Virginia Beach or Portsmouth might mean working with an investor who buys as-is. You do have the option to also sell on the market but you'll have to pay agent fee's and costly commissions.

At Oceanside Real Estate, we help homeowners sell quickly without fees, showings, or repairs.

4. Short Sale

If your home is worth less than what you owe, your lender might agree to a short sale. It can damage credit, but less than foreclosure.

5. Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure

Sign the house over to the lender voluntarily. Not ideal, but it avoids the public auction process.

6. Bankruptcy (Last Resort)

Filing Chapter 13 can temporarily stop the foreclosure, but comes with long-term credit consequences.

How to Choose the Right Path:

Every homeowner's situation is unique. Here's how to narrow down your best option:

Behind on just a few payments? Try forbearance or modification.
House needs major repairs? Consider selling to an investor.
Need to move fast? Avoid auction by getting a fast, cash offer.

We work with homeowners across Virginia and beyond to tailor a solution that works—with no pressure.

What Oceanside Real Estate Does to Help

We're a local team based in Virginia Beach that works across the entire Hampton Roads area—and we also help sellers from coast to coast. Our mission is to offer real solutions with dignity:

Buy homes in any condition, fast
Handle probate, inherited property, and vacant homes
Help you stay in control, even if foreclosure is days away
Or.. just give assistance to those in need, FREE OF CHARGE

Whether you're in Norfolk or on the West Coast, you don't have to face this alone.

Next Steps: Take Control Today

Don't wait for the bank to decide your future.