Short Sales in Dallas-Fort Worth
Facing Financial Hardship?
A Short Sale or a Pre-Foreclosure Sale Might Be Your Solution
Life happens. Unexpected financial struggles—whether due to job loss, medical expenses, divorce, or other hardships—can make it difficult to keep up with mortgage payments. If you're falling behind and worried about foreclosure, I’m Dawn Lawrence, and I specialize in guiding homeowners through the short sale process with expertise, empathy, and zero judgment.
A short sale allows you to sell your home for less than what you owe—with lender approval—helping you avoid foreclosure while minimizing the impact on your financial future. I understand this can be an overwhelming time, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I am here to walk you through each step and advocate for the best possible outcome for you.
What Is a Pre-Foreclosure Sale?
A pre-foreclosure sale happens when a homeowner—facing financial hardship and behind on mortgage payments—sells their home before the lender officially begins the foreclosure process. It’s a proactive step that can help avoid foreclosure and potentially minimize damage to your credit.
What It Means:
Pre-foreclosure is the stage when a homeowner has defaulted on their mortgage, but the lender hasn’t yet taken legal action to repossess the home. During this time, the homeowner still has options.
Why It Happens:
Rather than wait for foreclosure, homeowners often choose to sell their property to protect their credit, avoid eviction, and possibly recover some equity.
How It Works:
The homeowner can list the home for sale—often at a competitive price to attract buyers quickly. If the sale covers the remaining mortgage balance, the lender is paid in full. If not, it may become a short sale, where the lender agrees to accept less than what’s owed.
What is a Short Sale?
A short sale allows homeowners to sell their property for less than the remaining mortgage balance—with lender approval—helping them avoid foreclosure while minimizing financial and credit damage.
Why Would You Need a Short Sale?
✔️ Financial Hardship – Loss of income, medical expenses, divorce, or job relocation making mortgage payments unmanageable.
✔️ Negative Equity – Owing more on your home than its current market value.
✔️ Foreclosure Prevention – Avoid the long-term consequences of foreclosure on your credit.
✔️ Relocation or Job Change – Needing to sell but unable to cover the difference between your loan balance and market value.
Why Consider a Short Sale?
✔️ Avoid Foreclosure – A short sale helps you prevent foreclosure, which can damage your credit for years.
✔️ Relieve Financial Burden – If your home is worth less than you owe, a short sale can help you move forward without the heavy debt.
✔️ Minimize Credit Damage – While a short sale impacts your credit, it’s far less damaging than a foreclosure.
✔️ Start Fresh – A short sale gives you the opportunity to move forward without the lingering stress of an unaffordable mortgage.
Who Qualifies for a Short Sale?
To qualify for a short sale, homeowners typically must:
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Owe more on their home than its current market value
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Be experiencing a financial hardship (e.g., job loss, medical issues, divorce)
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Have missed or be at risk of missing mortgage payments
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Show they cannot afford to pay the remaining mortgage balance
How I Can Help
I don’t just list your home—I handle the entire process from start to finish, ensuring a smooth transaction and advocating on your behalf. Here’s what you can expect when working with me:
1️⃣ Free Consultation – I’ll review your financial situation and explain all your options.
2️⃣ Pre-Foreclosure Sale or Short Sale Preparation – I’ll help gather all necessary documents, including hardship letters and financial statements, to submit to
your lender.
3️⃣ Marketing Your Home – I use a strategic marketing plan to attract serious buyers, ensuring the best possible offer.
4️⃣ Lender Negotiation – I’ll work directly with your lender to negotiate the approval of the short sale and work to have any deficiency
waived. There are also other negotiations that I handle, like HOA liens, personal judgements on title and others.
5️⃣ Closing & Moving Forward – Once approved, I’ll guide you through the closing process and help you transition to your next steps.
I work with a trusted network of real estate attorneys, mortgage brokers, and financial professionals to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
Short Sale vs. Foreclosure: What’s the Difference?
Let’s Take the First Step Together
Navigating a short sale can be overwhelming, but I specialize in guiding homeowners through the process - so you can focus on your next chapter. I am committed to helping homeowners in Dallas-Fort Worth find solutions that allow them to move forward with confidence.
If you're wondering whether a pre-foreclosure sale or a short sale is the right solution for you, let's talk. I'm here to help you explore your options with no pressure, no judgment—just solutions
Feature | Short Sale | Foreclosure |
|---|---|---|
Credit Impact | Less severe, can recover in 2-3 years | Severe, remains on credit for 7+ years |
Control Over Sale | You choose the buyer, negotiate terms | Bank takes over, sells property at auction |
Future Home Buying | May be able to buy another home in as little as 2 years | Typically requires a 7-year waiting period |
Emotional Toll | Proactive decision with structured support | Sudden loss of home with potential eviction |
Contact me today for a free consultation – there’s no obligation, just guidance and support.