Loan Modification
Best if: lasting income drop, want to stay
Permanently restructure your existing loan for a payment you can actually afford.
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Houston & Harris County
Behind on your mortgage? You have more options than you think.
Foreclosure isn't your only path. Whether you want to keep your home or exit on your own terms, acting early gives you the most choices — and the least damage to your credit.
Auction coming up fast? Call or text 832.303.1930 — free & confidential.
The Texas timeline moves fast — here's what to know
- Your lender generally can't start foreclosure until you're more than 120 days (about 4 payments) behind — that window is your time to act.
- Once formal notices begin, a Texas auction can happen in as little as 41 days.
- In Harris County, foreclosure sales are held on the first Tuesday of every month at the Bayou City Event Center.
- You can stop the sale by reinstating your loan up to the day before the auction. Reaching out to your lender does not trigger foreclosure — it opens doors.
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Find the option that fits your situation
Answer three quick questions and we'll point you to the best starting place. Nothing is submitted — this is just guidance.
1. Do you want to keep your home?
2. Is your financial hardship temporary or permanent?
3. Are you current on payments, or already behind?
Your five paths
Foreclosure alternatives, explained simply
Three options can help you keep your home. Two help you exit gracefully. Every one is better than a completed foreclosure.
Repayment Plan
Best if: temporary hardship, now resolved
Catch up on missed payments over a few months and bring your loan current again.
Learn moreRefinancing
Best if: current, good credit + equity
Replace your mortgage with a new loan at better, more affordable terms.
Learn moreShort Sale
Best if: underwater, need to exit
Sell for less than you owe, with lender approval — softer on your credit than foreclosure.
Learn moreDeed in Lieu
Best if: can't sell, want a clean exit
Voluntarily hand the home back to the lender and be released from the mortgage.
Learn moreCompare All
See everything side by side
Weigh all five options at once — credit impact, speed, and who each one is best for.
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At a glance
Keep your home, or exit gracefully
Stay in your home
If you can sustain a payment going forward, these protect your home and your credit:
Exit on your terms
If keeping the home isn't realistic, these beat a foreclosure on your record:
Common questions
Houston foreclosure FAQs
How long do I have before foreclosure in Texas?
In Texas, your lender generally cannot start foreclosure until you are more than 120 days (about 4 missed payments) behind. After that, the process moves fast — from the first formal notice to a courthouse auction can take as little as 41 days. The earlier you act, the more options you have.
When are foreclosure auctions held in Harris County?
Foreclosure sales in Harris County are held on the first Tuesday of every month, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at the Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Rd, Houston, TX 77045. Notices of sale are filed and posted at least 21 days in advance.
Can I stop a foreclosure in Texas at the last minute?
Yes. You can stop the sale by reinstating your loan — paying all past-due amounts, late fees, and costs — any time up to the day before the auction. Call your servicer for an exact reinstatement quote, since the amount changes daily.
What are my options if I'm behind on my mortgage in Houston?
Depending on your situation, you may reinstate the loan, set up a repayment plan, apply for a loan modification, refinance, or — if you must exit — pursue a short sale or deed in lieu. Acting before the 120-day mark gives you the most options.