What Happens If You Can't Pay Your Mortgage in Kansas City?
- Alex Mulsoff
- Jun 14, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 20, 2025
A Kansas City Homeowner's Guide to Mortgage Relief and Selling Options
Falling behind on mortgage payments can feel overwhelming—but you're not alone, and you have more options than you might think. Whether you’re facing job loss, divorce, unexpected bills, or simply struggling to keep up, there are ways to avoid foreclosure and protect your equity.
At Riverfront Home Buyers, we’ve worked with homeowners throughout Kansas City and the surrounding counties who thought they were out of time—but still found a way forward. Here’s what you need to know if you can’t pay your mortgage in Missouri or Kansas.
1. Know When You're in Default
In Missouri and Kansas, you’re considered in default once your mortgage payment is more than 30 days late. Your lender may start calling, send late notices, or tack on fees.
If you miss multiple payments, the next step is often a Notice of Default, which is the first formal warning that foreclosure proceedings may begin.
If you’ve received a notice—or think one is coming—don’t ignore it. The earlier you act, the more options you’ll have.
2. Understand the Foreclosure Timeline
Missouri is a non-judicial foreclosure state. That means lenders can foreclose without going to court, often in as little as 60 to 90 days from the Notice of Default.
Kansas uses judicial foreclosure, meaning the lender has to file in court. This process takes longer—typically 4 to 6 months or more—but once it starts, the clock is ticking.
Even if you’re several months behind, it may not be too late to sell your house and avoid foreclosure on your record.
3. Explore Relief and Workout Options
Before selling, consider whether you qualify for any relief:
Loan forbearance or modification
Refinancing or repayment plan
Hardship programs offered by your lender
It’s worth calling your mortgage company to ask. But if these aren’t viable—or time is running out—selling the home may be the most effective way to protect your credit and walk away without a foreclosure.
4. Yes, You Can Sell—Even After Missing Payments
You are still the legal owner of your home until the foreclosure sale happens. That means:
You can sell the house any time before the foreclosure is finalized
You can use the sale proceeds to pay off your mortgage and fees
You can avoid the long-term credit damage that comes with foreclosure
Riverfront Home Buyers helps homeowners in pre-foreclosure sell their homes off-market—fast, and without repairs or showings.
5. You Don’t Need to Clean or Fix Anything
When you’re behind on payments, the last thing you need is to worry about repairs or inspections. We buy homes as-is, so you can:
Skip the cleaning and prep
Leave behind items you don’t want
Close in as little as 10 to 14 days
We’ll handle the paperwork, title coordination, and communication with your lender.
6. Selling Doesn’t Mean Starting Over With Nothing
Many Kansas City homeowners who sell before foreclosure are still able to:
Walk away with some equity
Avoid court involvement
Minimize damage to their credit score
The key is acting early, ideally before the foreclosure sale date is set. Even if you're unsure what to do next, a conversation with a local team like Riverfront can help clarify your options.
Final Thoughts
If you're behind on your mortgage in Missouri or Kansas, you don't have to wait until the sheriff shows up. You still have time and you still have options.
At Riverfront Home Buyers, we help homeowners navigate tough financial situations with clarity and care. No pressure. No gimmicks. Just local help from people who understand how to get things done in Kansas City.
Call us to start the conversation and request an offer: 816.448.8164
FAQ: What Happens If I Can’t Pay My Mortgage in Kansas City?
I live in Kansas City—what happens if I fall behind on my mortgage payments?
If you're more than 30 days late, your lender may start charging late fees and notify credit agencies. After 90 days, they may issue a formal Notice of Default. In Missouri, that could start a foreclosure process within 60 to 90 days. In Kansas, the process usually begins in court and takes longer—but time is still critical.
Can I still sell my house in Kansas City if I’m behind on payments or received a foreclosure notice?
Yes. Until your home is sold at auction, you still legally own it. You can sell it at any time before the foreclosure is finalized. Riverfront Home Buyers helps homeowners in Jackson, Clay, Platte, Wyandotte, and Johnson counties sell fast—even with active foreclosure warnings.
How long do I have before foreclosure starts in Missouri or Kansas?
In Missouri, foreclosure can begin as soon as 60 days after a Notice of Default. In Kansas, it typically takes 4 to 6 months from the lender’s court filing. But waiting reduces your options. If you're in Kansas City or surrounding areas, reach out early.
What if I can’t make repairs or clean out the house?
No problem. Riverfront buys homes as-is, no matter the condition. You don’t need to clean, fix anything, or remove items. We handle all of that for you—and we work directly with the title company to make the sale easy.
Can I sell my house if I owe back taxes or still have a mortgage?
Yes. Your mortgage and back taxes are paid off using the proceeds from the sale. You don’t need any cash up front. We coordinate directly with your lender and the title company to take care of those details.
Do I have to move out right away after I sell?
Not necessarily. If you’re still searching for a place to go, we can often work out a flexible closing date or short post-sale occupancy, depending on your situation and the title timeline.
Is it better to sell before foreclosure hits my credit?
Absolutely. Selling before the foreclosure auction helps protect your credit score, avoid legal records, and gives you a chance to walk away with any remaining equity. A foreclosure stays on your credit for up to 7 years—so the earlier you act, the better.
Who can help me sell my home fast in Kansas City if I’m behind on my mortgage?
Riverfront Home Buyers is a local, veteran- and family-owned company serving Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties in Missouri, and Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas. We specialize in helping homeowners sell quickly, respectfully, and without pressure—even in difficult situations like missed payments, foreclosure, or financial stress.
About the Author
Alex Mulsoff, co-founder of Riverfront Home Buyers, brings deep Kansas City roots and hands-on experience in demolition and construction. With over a decade working in Local 101 trades, Alex understands hard work and honesty. Now leading acquisitions, he helps homeowners navigate inherited or challenging property sales with care, clear guidance, and no pressure.
Reviews:
Riverfront Home Buyers is a veteran-owned, family-run business in Kansas City and a BBB-accredited company with an A rating, trusted by local families across Missouri and Kansas. Click here to read more reviews.
“Alex helped me with the sale of my house. He gave me a fair offer and we were able to close in less than 30 days. Alex was great to work with - I found Alex to be personable, professional, honest and trustworthy - no last minute surprises. Thank you Alex for making the sale of my house a stress free experience! ” Lynn Allen
“Alex was great with helping my mom on the sale of her current home. Contract was easy and straight forward. Very accommodating on working with her on moving schedule for new home.” - Missy Lucito
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