How to Stop Foreclosure in Missouri — 5 Options

If you’ve received a Notice of Default or are behind on your mortgage in Missouri, you’re running out of time — but you’re NOT out of options. Missouri is a non-judicial foreclosure state, which means your lender can foreclose without going to court, and the process can move fast.

Here are 5 ways to stop or avoid foreclosure in Missouri, ranked from most to least time remaining:

Option 1: Loan Modification or Forbearance

Best if: You’ve had a temporary hardship but can resume payments.

Contact your lender’s loss mitigation department and ask about modifying your loan terms — lower interest rate, extended term, or adding missed payments to the end. Forbearance temporarily pauses payments but doesn’t eliminate what you owe.

Timeline needed: 2-3 months minimum. Start BEFORE you miss payments if possible.

Option 2: Refinance Your Mortgage

Best if: You have equity and decent credit despite the missed payments.

Refinancing replaces your current mortgage with a new one — potentially with a lower payment. FHA Streamline and VA IRRRL programs may help if you have an FHA or VA loan. However, refinancing is difficult once you’re already behind.

Option 3: Sell Your House for Cash (Fastest Option)

Best if: You need to act fast and want to protect your credit and equity.

A cash sale to Sell My House Quick KC is often the fastest way to stop foreclosure. We can close in as little as 7 days — fast enough to pay off your mortgage before the foreclosure sale date. You keep any remaining equity, and your credit takes far less damage than a completed foreclosure.

This is the option most Kansas City homeowners don’t know about. Unlike listing with an agent (which takes 60-90 days), a cash sale happens on YOUR timeline.

Option 4: File for Bankruptcy

Best if: You need to buy time and have other debts to address.

Filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that temporarily halts foreclosure. This gives you time to catch up on payments through a court-supervised repayment plan. However, bankruptcy stays on your credit for 7-10 years and doesn’t eliminate your mortgage — it just restructures it.

Option 5: Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure

Best if: You owe more than the house is worth and have no equity.

A deed in lieu means you voluntarily transfer ownership to your lender in exchange for them canceling the mortgage. It’s less damaging to your credit than foreclosure, but you walk away with nothing. Only consider this as a last resort when selling isn’t viable.

Missouri Foreclosure Timeline

Understanding the timeline helps you know how much time you have:

• Missed payments (Month 1-3): Lender contacts you about payment options
• Notice of Default (Month 3-4): Formal notice that foreclosure proceedings will begin
• Publication period (20 days): Foreclosure sale is advertised in local newspaper
• Foreclosure sale: Property sold at public auction
• No redemption period: Unlike some states, Missouri does NOT give you time to buy back your home after the sale

This means once the foreclosure sale happens, it’s over. That’s why acting early is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does foreclosure take in Missouri?

The entire process typically takes 60-90 days from the first missed payment to the sale date. Missouri’s non-judicial process is one of the fastest in the country, so don’t wait.

Will foreclosure affect my credit?

A completed foreclosure drops your credit score by 100-150 points and stays on your report for 7 years. Selling before foreclosure completes has a much smaller impact.

Can I sell my house after receiving a Notice of Default?

Yes. You can sell your house at any point before the foreclosure sale. Call us immediately — we can often close before the sale date.

What if I owe more than my house is worth?

You may be able to negotiate a short sale with your lender, where they accept less than what’s owed. We can help facilitate this conversation.

Related: Sell Your House in Foreclosure · Behind on Payments? · How Our Process Works