Does Shoreline Negotiation Group charge homeowners any fees?
No. Our consultations are always free, and we never charge homeowners out of pocket. We are compensated only when a specific transaction-based resolution is reached — and only through the transaction itself, not by you.
What is a short sale?
A short sale occurs when a homeowner sells their property for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, and the lender agrees to accept the reduced payoff. In many cases under Florida law, the remaining balance is forgiven entirely.
How is a short sale different from foreclosure?
In a foreclosure, the bank forces the sale of your home through the court system. In a short sale, you sell the home voluntarily with the lender's approval. A short sale typically causes less credit damage, resolves faster, and gives the homeowner more control over the process.
Will a short sale hurt my credit score?
A short sale does impact your credit, but significantly less than a foreclosure. Most homeowners see their credit recover within 2-3 years after a short sale, compared to 5-7 years after a foreclosure.
How long does the foreclosure process take in Florida?
Florida uses a judicial foreclosure process, which means the lender must file a lawsuit. The process typically takes 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on the court's caseload and whether the homeowner responds. Federal law also requires lenders to wait until the loan is more than 120 days delinquent before initiating foreclosure.
Can I stop a foreclosure once it has started?
Yes. Even after a foreclosure lawsuit has been filed, there are multiple options that may be available to you, including loan modification, reinstatement, short sale, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or in some cases, bankruptcy protection. The sooner you act, the more options remain available.
What is a loan modification?
A loan modification is a change to the terms of your existing mortgage — such as reducing the interest rate, extending the repayment period, or in some cases reducing the principal balance — made by agreement with your lender to make payments more manageable.
What is a deed in lieu of foreclosure?
A deed in lieu of foreclosure is when the homeowner voluntarily transfers ownership of the property back to the lender in exchange for being released from the mortgage obligation, avoiding the full foreclosure process.
What happens if I do nothing about my foreclosure?
If you do not respond to a foreclosure complaint in Florida, the lender can obtain a default judgment, which allows them to sell your home at public auction. Each day that passes reduces your available options.
Do I need a lawyer to do a short sale?
Not necessarily. Shoreline Negotiation Group handles the lender negotiation on your behalf as a consumer advocate. However, in certain situations — such as complex legal defenses or bankruptcy — we will honestly recommend that you consult with an attorney, and we can help you find one.
What areas does Shoreline Negotiation Group serve?
Shoreline Negotiation Group serves homeowners throughout the state of Florida, with deep local expertise in Sarasota, Venice, North Port, Englewood, Osprey, Nokomis, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Port Charlotte, and surrounding communities.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring any mortgage statements, correspondence from your lender (including any foreclosure notices), proof of income or hardship documentation, and any questions you have. If you don't have everything, that's okay — we can still have a productive conversation about your situation.
Is my consultation confidential?
Yes. All consultations are strictly confidential. Your information is never shared or sold.
Can Shoreline help if I've already been denied a loan modification?
Yes. Many homeowners are denied modifications on their first attempt due to incomplete documentation or because the lender didn't fully evaluate their situation. We can help you understand why you were denied and whether reapplying or pursuing a different option makes more sense.
I'm a realtor. How does working with Shoreline benefit my clients?
When a client is facing foreclosure or is underwater on their home, a short sale may be the best outcome for everyone. Shoreline handles all lender negotiation — the hardship package, BPO coordination, approval letters, and deficiency waiver negotiation — so you can focus on listing and selling the property. There is no cost to the realtor or the homeowner. Learn more about our realtor partnerships.