This is the hardest kind of house to sell, and one of the deals we’re proudest of. It took seven months, and it worked because nobody gave up.
The Story
The house in North Port flooded during Hurricane Ian in 2022. The owner, an older woman, was living in assisted living and couldn’t manage repairs. She called us after getting one of our postcards.
Then it got complicated. The property had to go through probate before it could be sold. At the same time, it was in foreclosure, with an auction date set.
Yes, a Foreclosure Auction Can Sometimes Be Postponed
In Florida, foreclosure sales are scheduled by the court, and they can sometimes be rescheduled, usually with the lender’s agreement, when there’s a real solution in progress. Lenders generally prefer being paid off over owning a flooded house.
What made the difference: a signed purchase contract and proof of funds from a serious buyer. With those in place, the auction was postponed, giving probate time to finish so we could close.
A postponement isn’t guaranteed, and it isn’t something to count on at the last minute. But if you have a strong contract and proof the buyer can close, it’s worth asking, through an attorney.
Seven Months Later
Probate was completed, the lender was paid at closing, and the house was sold instead of auctioned. For the family, that meant no foreclosure sale and no more worrying about a flooded house she couldn’t take care of.
“Most buyers walk away when they hear probate and foreclosure in the same sentence. Those are the deals where a family needs a buyer the most.” — Daniel Ghinda, Acorn House Acquisition
Lessons for Families
- Don’t ignore the auction date. Even with probate open, call as soon as you know the sale is set.
- Get a real contract, not a promise. A signed agreement and proof of funds is what lenders take seriously.
- Plan for time. Probate plus foreclosure can take months. Pick a buyer who will stay the course.
Our Florida office is in Sarasota, close to North Port. We also buy in Sarasota, Cape Coral and Fort Myers.
Selling a house in or near North Port? Call (786) 982-8464 or get your free cash offer online. See our North Port page for more.
The address and the owners’ names are kept private. This article is general information, not legal advice.