Updated September 2025
Selling a Home During Bankruptcy or Legal Action in Kansas City
Whether you are going through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, or dealing with lawsuits, judgments, or creditor pressures, the situation can feel overwhelming and urgent.
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At Riverfront Home Buyers, we help homeowners understand their options.
​Scroll down to explore local guides and learn what selling a home during bankruptcy or legal action looks like in Missouri and Kansas.
Can you sell a Home While Filing Bankruptcy in Kansas City?
If your home is part of the bankruptcy estate, it is under the court's control. You must get permission before selling.
That means:
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The court or trustee has to approve your plan to sell
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The sale needs to benefit the creditors or fit within your repayment strategy
In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the trustee might decide to sell the house to pay off debts.
In Chapter 13, you might have the option to sell as part of your repayment plan. Riverfront Home Buyers works through these processes to help you sell successfully.
Selling Your Home Can Protect Equity and Avoid Foreclosure
If you are behind on payments or the home is heading toward foreclosure, selling may be the best way to keep any equity and stop an auction from taking place. We help homeowners sell quickly once court approval is granted.
Taking action early gives you the best chance of a good outcome.
We Buy Kansas City Homes As-Is, Even with Complex Legal Situations
Homes in bankruptcy can have issues like deferred maintenance, multiple liens, or added paperwork. This does not deter us. And, you will not have to deal with open houses, inspections, or agent commissions. We bring clarity and real solutions instead.
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We buy Kansas and Missouri houses:
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In active bankruptcy
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With multiple liens or unpaid taxes
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Stuck in probate and bankruptcy
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Involved in legal disputes
We Collaborate with Bankruptcy Lawyers Across Kansas and Missouri
We work closely with bankruptcy attorneys and trustees in Kansas and Missouri.
When you have their approval, we take care of:
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Communication with title companies
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Paying off liens, taxes, and other debts
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Closing as quickly and respectfully as possible
Your home will be purchased exactly as it is without need for repairs or cleaning.
What is the process to sell my home during bankruptcy in Kansas City?
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Obtain court or trustee approval. Selling your home during bankruptcy requires permission from the bankruptcy court or trustee.
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Your attorney files a motion. Your bankruptcy lawyer requests court approval by submitting a formal motion explaining the benefits of the sale to creditors.
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Court reviews and grants approval. The court evaluates your request to make sure the sale fits within your repayment plan or benefits creditors before allowing the sale to proceed.
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Coordinate with your legal team. Work closely with your attorney, trustee, and title company to handle liens, taxes, and paperwork smoothly.
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Sell your home as-is. Riverfront Home Buyers purchases homes in any condition, which can protect equity and avoid foreclosure or auction.
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Close quickly: Sales often close within 10 to 21 days after court approval.
Blog: Resources for Kansas City Homeowners
Navigating a home sale during bankruptcy can be complex. Explore helpful articles written by our team, packed with valuable resources.
FAQ: Selling Your Home During Bankruptcy in Kansas City
Our team answers the most common questions Missouri and Kansas homeowners face when selling a home during bankruptcy or legal action.
Who gets the money if I sell my house during Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, after the mortgage is paid off, most of the sale proceeds go to your creditors. However, you might be able to keep some money if your state offers a homestead exemption.
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Missouri allows a homestead exemption up to $15,000 per person, or $30,000 for married couples filing jointly.
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Kansas offers an unlimited exemption if the home is your primary residence.
We work closely with your attorney and trustee to ensure everything is handled fairly and transparently. We can provide a written offer for your legal team to review.
Can I keep the proceeds if I sell during Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Possibly. Many people in Chapter 13 bankruptcy can keep some or all of the proceeds. How much you keep depends on your specific repayment plan and the court’s decision. Your attorney will file a motion to sell, and the court decides how to distribute the funds.
If you want clear guidance before moving forward, we’ll help you explore your options. Call us at 816.448.8164 or fill out the form to request an offer.
Can I sell a Kansas City-area house with an IRS lien or mortgage?
Yes. IRS liens, mortgages, or other tax debts can be paid off at closing using the sale proceeds. The title company confirms the total amount owed before closing. Riverfront helps you get all the information early to avoid surprises or delays.
What if I want to sell my Kansas City home before I file for bankruptcy?
You can sell before filing bankruptcy, but the sale must be transparent and at fair market value. Courts look carefully for signs of hidden assets or fraudulent sales and may reverse or challenge any suspicious transactions.
We provide offer letters for your attorney to review before you file. Contact us at 816.448.8164 or fill out the form to request an offer​.
How do I get court permission to sell during bankruptcy?
Your attorney files a motion asking the court for approval to sell your home. Once the court grants approval, you can go ahead with the sale, even if your bankruptcy case is still open. We’ve worked with legal teams across Jackson, Clay, Platte, Wyandotte, and Johnson counties to make this process smooth.
If you have questions, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us at 816.448.8164 or fill out the form to request an offer​.
Do I need to wait until bankruptcy is finalized before selling my Kansas City Home?
No. You don’t have to wait for your case to be discharged. As long as the court approves, you can sell during the bankruptcy process. This often helps protect your equity and avoid foreclosure. We are familiar with legal timelines and can guide you to a personalized plan.
Can Riverfront work directly with my bankruptcy attorney?
Yes. We have experience working with attorneys and trustees throughout the Kansas and Missouri. We strive to make the process easy for your legal team to review.
What if the house has back taxes, liens, or utility bills?
All these debts can be paid at closing using the sale proceeds. The title company handles the payments, and Riverfront coordinates with everyone to ensure nothing is missed.
Do I need to clean or fix the house before selling?
No. You don’t have to make any repairs or clean the property. We buy homes with legal issues, damage, neglect, or any condition that has become tough to manage. No showings and no staging. Just a respectful, straightforward sale.
Local Support Families Can Trust
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.
TESTIMONIALS
“Alex and Stevie purchased a family home from us that had several heirs on it. They were very patient and great to work with.”
- LaJoyce R.
“They helped me sell my house fast ... down to earth.... regular people which was truly appreciated”
- Marshall S.
Get a Cash Offer For your Kansas City Home
If your home is involved in bankruptcy or legal action in Missouri or Kansas, you do not have to wait for the court or trustees to decide what happens next.
Riverfront Home Buyers can help you sell your property with court approval and move on your timeline.
Call 816.448.8164 or click to get an offer.