Can you sell a home if there’s still a mortgage on it?
Yes, you can sell your home even if you still owe on your mortgage. Most sellers do. The key is knowing how much equity you have and working with an expert like Anthony Guetzoian, REALTOR, to make sure everything lines up for a smooth, profitable transaction in LA & Ventura County.
Step 1: Know Your Mortgage Payoff Amount
Before listing, contact your lender for a payoff statement. This is the total amount needed to pay off your loan balance.
Why This Matters:
- Helps you calculate potential proceeds
- Ensures you don’t accept an offer below your loan balance
Anthony can help you request this documentation and estimate your net proceeds.
Step 2: Understand Your Home’s Market Value
You’ll want to compare your loan payoff to your home’s current value.
Anthony provides a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) based on local comps, property condition, and market trends to help you set a smart list price.
Step 3: Calculate Your Home Equity
Formula: Market Value – Mortgage Payoff = Home Equity
If your equity is positive, you’ll likely walk away with money after the sale. If it’s low or negative, Anthony can guide you on options like:
- Waiting to build more equity
- Renting temporarily
- Short sale (in hardship cases)
Step 4: Set a Pricing Strategy
Anthony works to price your home competitively so:
- It attracts buyers quickly
- You avoid lowball offers
- You have enough to cover your payoff and closing costs
He also advises on how to handle multiple offers if your listing generates strong demand.
Step 5: Navigate the Escrow Process
During escrow, the title company will:
- Use sale proceeds to pay off your mortgage
- Distribute remaining funds to you after closing costs
Anthony coordinates all details with escrow and your lender to prevent last-minute issues.
What If You’re Buying and Selling at the Same Time?
If you’re planning to purchase another home:
- Anthony helps sync your sale and purchase timelines
- Can recommend lenders who offer bridge loans or flexible financing
This makes the transition easier and helps you avoid double moves or overlapping mortgages.
Final Thoughts
Having a mortgage doesn’t stop you from selling—it’s the norm. With the right information and guidance, you can make a smooth transition and put your equity to work.
Anthony Guetzoian, REALTOR, has helped hundreds of sellers with mortgages close successfully in LA and Ventura County.
Selling with a Mortgage? Let’s Talk.
Contact Anthony Guetzoian, REALTOR, to find out exactly how much you could walk away with—and how to get started.
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Still have a mortgage? Anthony Guetzoian, REALTOR, explains how to sell your home and maximize equity in LA & Ventura County.