Facing foreclosure in Lakeland? Sell for cash before the sale date.
We buy houses in foreclosure across Lakeland as-is, for cash. Tell us your timeline and we'll build the closing around it.
- Written cash offer within 24 hours
- No obligation to accept
- You pick the closing date
Can I sell a house in foreclosure in Lakeland?
Yes. In Florida a foreclosure has to go through the Circuit Court, so there is usually time to sell between the lawsuit and the Clerk's sale. You can sell for cash any time before the Clerk files the certificate of sale, pay off the lender at closing, and keep any equity that is left.
For Lakeland properties, the local steps run through the Polk County Circuit Court (10th Judicial Circuit) and the Polk County Clerk of Court.
How foreclosure works in Polk County
Here's how a foreclosure case usually moves in Polk County, which includes Lakeland. Knowing where you are on this timeline tells you how much room you have to sell.
Missed payments
Federal servicing rules generally keep a lender from filing until a loan is more than 120 days behind. Use this window — it is the cheapest time to sell.
Lawsuit and lis pendens
The lender sues in the Polk County Circuit Court (10th Judicial Circuit) and records a lis pendens. Once you are served you have 20 days to respond.
Final judgment
If the court rules for the lender, it sets a sale date, normally 20–35 days after the judgment (s. 45.031, Fla. Stat.).
Clerk's sale
The Polk County Clerk of Court auctions the home, usually online. You can still pay off or sell until the Clerk files the certificate of sale (s. 45.0315).
After the sale
Any money above the debt is surplus. Claim it with the Clerk — surplus not paid out within a year of the sale is reported as unclaimed (s. 45.032).
Selling a house in foreclosure in Lakeland
Lakeland is Polk County's largest city, halfway between Tampa and Orlando on I-4. Polk County sits on the I-4 corridor between Tampa and Orlando and has been one of Florida's fastest-growing counties.
We buy houses in foreclosure in Dixieland, Lake Morton, South Lakeland, Highland City and North Lakeland, and anywhere else in Lakeland, plus nearby Haines City and Winter Haven.
See also: Foreclosure across Polk County
| County | Polk County, Central Florida |
|---|---|
| County seat | Bartow |
| Court for foreclosure cases | Polk County Circuit Court (10th Judicial Circuit) |
| Official records & court sales | Polk County Clerk of Court |
| Property taxes | Polk County Tax Collector |
| Where we buy | Dixieland, Lake Morton, South Lakeland, Highland City, North Lakeland · nearby Haines City, Winter Haven |
Before you sell in Lakeland
Selling to us is one option, not the only one. Lakeland homeowners in this spot usually weigh reinstate the loan, loan modification or forbearance, list with an agent, short sale and sell for cash. We'll tell you honestly if another option fits better.
Compare every option in the Florida guide →- Behind on payments and the gap keeps growing
- A sale date is already set
- Worried about the credit damage
- The servicer won't agree to a plan you can afford
Three steps. Your schedule.
Selling to us takes three steps, and you control the timing of every one.
Tell us about the house
Share the address and a few details online or by phone. It takes about two minutes and costs nothing.
Get a written cash offer
We review the property and recent nearby sales and send a no-obligation cash offer, usually within 24 hours.
Pick your closing date
Close in as little as 7 days through a Florida title company, or pick a later date. We cover normal closing costs.
What Lakeland homeowners ask about foreclosure
Does Florida law protect me when I sell a house in foreclosure?
Yes. Florida's foreclosure-rescue statute (s. 501.1377) sets contract and cancellation rules for investors who buy homes in foreclosure. Ask us and we'll walk you through your rights in writing before you sign anything.
What happens to my equity if the house goes to auction?
If the auction brings more than you owe, the extra is surplus that you can claim from the Clerk. Selling before the auction usually keeps more of your equity, because auction prices are often below market.
Where are Polk County foreclosure sales held?
The Polk County Clerk of Court runs court-ordered foreclosure sales. Florida law lets Clerks hold these sales online (s. 45.031), and the sale date is listed in the final judgment.
Do you buy houses in Lakeland?
Yes. We buy in Dixieland, Lake Morton, South Lakeland and Highland City and every other part of Lakeland, as well as the rest of Polk County. Submit the address and we'll confirm within a day.
How fast can you close in Lakeland?
As little as 7 days after you accept, using a Florida title company. If you need more time, we'll set the date that works for you.
Related help
Other situations in Lakeland
Foreclosure help nearby
Get your no-obligation cash offer on your Lakeland property.
Two minutes to submit, a written offer within 24 hours, and the closing date you choose. Nothing to fix, nothing to list.