If you’re worried about missed homeowners’ association (HOA) or condo association (COA) payments in Florida, you’re not alone. Facing foreclosure is overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it by yourself. With 15 years of experience as a Realtor and as a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I specialize in helping homeowners navigate their way out of foreclosure with compassion and clarity. This article breaks down what happens when HOA or COA payments go unpaid, the foreclosure process, and what to do if you feel stuck. Disclaimer: I’m not an attorney, and this article is not legal advice. This is intended for general informational purposes only. For personalized advice, I recommend consulting a Florida-licensed attorney. My goal is to help you better understand the process so you can take informed steps forward. --- How HOA and Condo Association Foreclosures Work in Florida Under Florida Statute 720.3085 (for HOAs) and Florida Statute 718.116 (for condo associations), your association can place a lien on your property if you fall behind on payments. Once a lien is filed, the association can proceed to foreclosure. Here’s the process step-by-step: 1. The HOA or COA Files a LienIf you miss payments, late fees, or fines, the association has the right to file a lien against your property. 2. Judicial ForeclosureIf the debt remains unpaid, the HOA or COA can initiate a judicial foreclosure lawsuit, which requires court approval. 3. The Auction ProcessIf foreclosure is approved, the property goes to a public auction. At the auction: The HOA can bid using the unpaid debt as a credit bid. If no other bidders step forward, the association can take ownership of the property. --- What Happens If No One Buys the Property? If your property goes to auction and no one bids, here’s what happens: The HOA or condo association becomes the property owner by receiving a Certificate of Title. Once the HOA takes ownership, they may: Resell the property to recover the unpaid debt. Rent it out to generate income. --- What About My Mortgage? Many homeowners ask, “What happens to my mortgage?” Here’s the reality: HOA or condo foreclosures do not eliminate your mortgage. If you still owe on your mortgage, the lender’s lien remains on the property. The mortgage company can initiate its own foreclosure, which takes priority over the HOA’s claim. --- Am I Still Responsible for the Debt? Unfortunately, yes. If the auction or resale doesn’t satisfy the full debt owed, the HOA can pursue a deficiency judgment against you. Under Florida Statute 720.3085, the HOA is entitled to recover: Unpaid assessments Late fees and interest Legal fees and court costs This means the association can pursue collection through wage garnishments, bank levies, or liens on other assets. --- What Should You Do if You’re Facing Foreclosure? If you’ve missed HOA or condo payments and foreclosure is looming, here are three things you can do: 1. Open CommunicationReach out to your HOA or condo association to discuss payment options or settlements. Associations often prefer to resolve the issue without foreclosure. 2. Work with an ExpertAs a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I help homeowners explore options like loan modifications, short sales, or other foreclosure alternatives. 3. Get Legal SupportA Florida-licensed attorney can offer legal strategies and help you understand your rights. --- You’re Not Alone—Let’s Find a Solution Together Facing foreclosure can feel overwhelming and isolating, but there are solutions, and I’m here to help. With 15 years of experience as a Realtor and specialized training as a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I’ve helped countless homeowners like you navigate these difficult situations. Whether you’re unsure where to start, feeling overwhelmed, or just need someone to answer your questions, I’m here for you. --- Take the Next StepIf you’re ready to explore your options or simply need someone to guide you through the process, let’s connect. I promise to listen, offer support, and help you take the right steps forward. Reach out to me today: 📍 Visit my website: www.MyRealtorErica.com📱 Connect on Instagram: @my.realtor.erica Remember, you don’t have to face this alone—I’m here to help.

Purchasing your first home can feel overwhelming, but as someone who has helped many clients navigate this exciting journey, I’m here to share the tools and resources to empower you. There are numerous public assistance programs designed to make this dream more attainable. Let’s explore the opportunities available in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, and beyond to get you started. Start Local: City of West Palm Beach Housing & Community Development Department If you’re starting your home-buying journey, your first stop should be the Housing & Community Development Department in the City of West Palm Beach. This department is dedicated to helping people just like you with the resources and funding needed to become homeowners. Contact Information: Phone: (561) 822-1250 Address: 401 Clematis Street, Third Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Visit the Housing & Community Development Department Website They offer assistance like down payment grants, counseling services, and more. Even if you’re unsure about what you need, reaching out to them is a great first step. You might discover opportunities you didn’t even know existed. Explore Palm Beach County Programs Palm Beach County has some amazing programs for first-time homebuyers, and I’m here to break them down for you: 1. HOME Investment Partnership First-Time Homebuyer Program What it Offers: Up to $100,000 for down payment assistance, closing costs, or rehabilitation of a home. Eligibility: Income limits apply, and the property must be your primary residence. Estimated Application Period: Applications often open in the fall—for example, the 2024 window was from October 9 to October 31. Pre-Requirements: A mandatory pre-application orientation ensures you’re fully prepared. 2. State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Purchase Assistance Program What it Offers: Help with gap financing, lot acquisition, down payment, and closing costs. Eligibility: Income-based; the purchase price must meet program limits. Estimated Application Period: Typically opens in January, closing when application limits are met. Pre-Requirements: Completion of a virtual orientation is required. 3. Palm Beach County Housing Finance Authority’s "Own a Home Opportunity Program" What it Offers: A soft second mortgage loan of up to $10,000 at 0% interest and a forgivable grant for down payment assistance. Eligibility: No first-time homebuyer requirement for the grant; must meet income and credit score requirements. These programs are designed to make homeownership not just a dream, but a reality. The key is to stay informed about application windows and gather all required documents early.   Florida Statewide Programs Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loan Why It’s Popular: If you’ve heard about first-time homebuyer programs, you’ve likely heard of the FHA loan. It’s a game-changer for many buyers. Key Benefits: Requires only a 3.5% down payment compared to the conventional loan’s 20% (recently reduced to 3% in some cases). Eligibility: Open to first-time buyers or those who haven’t owned a home in three years. You cannot have an active FHA loan in the same state. Other Statewide Programs: Florida Assist (FL Assist) Provides up to $10,000 as a 0% interest deferred second mortgage. Payment is deferred until the sale, transfer, or refinancing of the home. Florida Homeownership Loan Program (FL HLP) Second Mortgage Offers $10,000 as a fully amortizing second mortgage with a 3% interest rate over 15 years. HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage PLUS Second Mortgage Offers down payment assistance up to 5% of the total loan amount as a forgivable second mortgage. Forgiven at 20% per year over five years. Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program Designed for frontline community workers such as teachers, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and veterans. Provides significant down payment and closing cost assistance. These programs not only reduce the financial barriers to homeownership but also reward your hard work and service to your community. Federal Programs Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Homeownership Program Allows low-income individuals and families to use HCV assistance for homeownership expenses. Eligibility and availability vary by local Public Housing Agencies. Good Neighbor Next Door Program Offers a 50% discount on home purchase prices for eligible law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. Requires a commitment to live in the property for a designated time. These federal programs are incredible options for those who qualify, offering unique benefits that make homeownership achievable. Nonprofit and Other Assistance Organizations Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) What It Offers: No down payment, no closing costs, no fees, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and below-market interest rates. Who It Helps: Low- to moderate-income buyers. Key Features: Focuses on affordability and sustainable homeownership. Habitat for Humanity What It Offers: Affordable homes built with the help of volunteers and future homeowners contributing "sweat equity." Who It Helps: Low-income families. Key Features: Provides affordable mortgages and educational resources. Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) What It Offers: Counseling services and guidance on securing affordable financing. Who It Helps: First-time homebuyers and those seeking to sustain homeownership. NeighborhoodWorks America What It Offers: Education, resources, and partnerships with local housing organizations. Who It Helps: Low- to moderate-income families and first-time buyers. USDA Rural Development Loans What It Offers: No down payment loans for homes in eligible rural areas. Who It Helps: Low- to moderate-income buyers. Key Features: Affordable interest rates and flexible credit requirements. These organizations bring a human touch to homeownership, combining education, affordability, and community support to help you succeed. A Final Word: Do Your Research and Network I’ve shared many of the programs I know about, but this list is just the beginning. Cities, municipalities, churches, organizations, and even large employers offer grants or assistance. If you’re relocating for work, don’t forget to ask about employer relocation benefits. My Tips for You: Speak with an experienced Realtor (like me!) who understands these programs. Attend homebuyer workshops—knowledge is power. Network with community organizations and other homebuyers to learn about hidden gems. I care about your success and want to see you thrive in your new home. By taking advantage of these resources and connecting with the right people, you can make your dream of homeownership a reality. Don’t leave money on the table—explore your options thoroughly and get the support you need. Need Help? I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Contact me today to learn more about these programs or to start your home-buying journey with confidence.

Buying a home is one of the most exciting and important milestones you’ll ever experience. But for many, it can also feel overwhelming—especially when facing financial challenges like credit card debt, student or hospital loans, and fluctuating credit scores. That’s why starting your home-buying process at least six months before you plan to move in is critical. This timeline allows you to be prepared, confident, and ready to make one of the smartest investments of your life. Let’s break down the process into manageable steps to help you make your next purchase a well-informed one.   Step 1: Begin with Pre-Approval (The Sooner, the Better!) The pre-approval process is one of the most critical yet apprehensive steps for many buyers. Often, prospective buyers delay starting because they want to feel completely confident in their financial readiness. Unfortunately, this mindset can backfire. I’ve worked with clients who finally felt ready to begin, only to discover an overlooked loan, a repossession, bankruptcy, short sale, or a high debt-to-income ratio that required them to push their plans back another 3–6 months. Starting earlier would have helped them address these obstacles sooner. Let’s normalize starting the process early with a soft credit pull. Many mortgage brokers offer a soft pull option that won’t impact your score. They also use tools to provide you with vital insights, even if you’re still working on improving your credit. This can include: •Loan types you qualify for. •Estimated down payment and closing costs. •Monthly mortgage payment estimates (including taxes, HOA fees, etc.). •Guidance on addressing credit issues or debt-to-income ratios. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to resolve any challenges, refine your budget, and focus your home search on realistic options. Step 1. A: Gather Your Pre-Approval Documents As part of the pre-approval process, you’ll need to provide certain documents to help your mortgage broker determine if you qualify. These typically include: •Two years of W-2s or tax returns. •Recent pay stubs. •Bank statements. •Documentation of any outstanding loans or debts. •A 640 credit score or higher is generally recommended for most loans. It’s important to note that some loan products are available for buyers with credit scores as low as 580, and other programs may have more flexible qualifications. If you’d like to explore these options, feel free to contact me directly for guidance.   Step 2: Research and Refine Your Home Search With your pre-approval in hand, it’s time to start researching where you want to live. If you already have a Realtor, they can set up an automated search for you based on your pre-approval letter and desired home features. If you don’t already have a Realtor, you can set up your automated search with Home Buyers on my website or contact me directly, and I can create one for you using the MLS. This search will help you: •See what homes are available in your price range. •Understand how often homes you like hit the market. •Recognize how quickly homes go under contract in your target area. This early research helps you identify market trends, such as whether you’ll need to act fast on homes or if you can take more time to decide. Pro Tip: Take this time to explore neighborhoods. Consider proximity to schools, hospitals, beaches, parks, nightlife, and public transportation. If you’re relocating, this research will help you feel confident in your choice.   Step 3: Explore Assistance Programs and Opportunity Zones If you’re considering public assistance or first-time homebuyer programs, start researching 12–18 months in advance. Many of these programs require classes or counseling, and homes qualifying for these programs may come with specific restrictions. Additionally, look into opportunity zones in your target areas. These zones often come with lower taxes, which can make homeownership more affordable. Ask yourself: •Are there grants or subsidies available in your city or county? •Is workforce housing or new construction an option? •What are the program requirements, and how long will approval take? Planning early ensures you don’t miss out on opportunities to save on your purchase.   Step 4: Choose the Right Realtor Although this is listed as step four, I actually recommend making this step one. Your Realtor is the cornerstone of the home-buying process, providing guidance, tools, and expertise from the very beginning. However, I understand that finding the right Realtor can be a process. The average buyer speaks with 4–5 agents before choosing the one they feel most comfortable with. When choosing a Realtor: •Look for someone who listens to your needs and makes you feel comfortable. •Don’t feel pressured to work with a friend or family member unless they’re the right fit for such a significant transaction. The right Realtor will be your advocate throughout the entire process, helping you make informed decisions and ensuring you stay on track.   Step 5: Plan Your Timeline Once you’ve chosen your Realtor, they’ll help you plan your timeline. From viewing homes to making offers and closing, your agent will let you know: •When you should start actively touring homes. •The latest date you should secure a contract to meet your move-in goal. This timeline ensures you have the keys to your dream home on schedule.   Final Thoughts: Why Preparation is Key Taking the time to prepare for your home purchase will save you from heartache later. By understanding your budget, refining your search, and choosing the right team to guide you, you’ll feel confident and empowered every step of the way. If you’d like more information on the home-buying process, check out our additional blog articles here. Or feel free to contact me directly at 561-633-0707 or info@myrealtorerica.com. Let’s work together to make your dreams a reality. Let's find home!