How Gene Caught Up on Payments and Moved On Without the Stress
Gene Winpigler was living in his home in Brunswick, ND, but falling behind on his mortgage payments had left him feeling stuck. With the bills piling up and no easy way to catch up, he knew he had to make a change. What he really needed was a way to sell his home quickly, clear his debts, and get a fresh start, without the usual stress of selling.
Falling Behind and Running Out of Options
Gene’s situation was becoming more and more difficult. He was still living in the home but was behind on mortgage payments and facing added pressure from two liens on the property. The idea of listing the house, making repairs, and dealing with showings felt impossible. On top of everything else, he needed enough money from the sale to pay off the mortgage and move forward.
What Happens When You Fall Behind on Mortgage Payments?
In January 2025 compared to January 2026, the number of households falling behind on their mortgage grew by 30.9%, so falling behind on your mortgage is more common than you may think.
We work with homeowners who fall behind for many reasons, and Gene had the added pressure of two liens on the home. That’s why, for homeowners like Gene, selling his home made the most sense: it let him pay off his mortgage and get rid of his debts.
However, that’s easier said than done when debts like liens are attached to the property.
Can You Sell a House With Liens on It?
A lien is a legal claim against a property and can come from unpaid taxes, contractor bills, court judgments, or other financial obligations. In Gene’s case, he had two liens on his property, and he wasn’t sure it was even possible to sell his home with the liens.
Many homeowners, like Gene, don’t realize they can sell a home with liens and, in the process, remove them. As long as the sale proceeds can cover and pay off the lien amount, selling a home with liens is easier than you may think.
Why Selling Traditionally Can Be Difficult When You’re Behind on Mortgage Payments
Listing a home with a real estate agent is the right option for many homeowners. But when you’re already behind on your mortgage, waiting for a traditional sale to close can add another source of stress.
We’ve worked with sellers who receive an offer for their home, only for the buyer to then request repairs the homeowner can’t pay for, or even worse, the buyer runs into financing problems that delay the sale. Each delay means another month of delayed mortgage payments, taxes, and all the other expenses homeownership brings.
Then, in Gene’s situation, adding two liens into the mix meant additional paperwork and title issues to work through, further extending the sales timeline. When time is running out, homeowners can’t spend time trying to sell on the traditional market; they need a solution right away.
A Fast, Supportive Solution
When we learned Gene was juggling late mortgage payments and two liens, we knew House Buyers of America could help. We purchased the home for cash, and fast, giving him much-needed peace of mind. Instead of falling further behind, Gene could move forward with confidence.
That’s where House Buyers of America stepped in. Gene received a fair cash offer for his home—no need for repairs, clean-up, or showings. One of the biggest reliefs was that we helped clear not just the overdue mortgage, but also two outstanding liens attached to the property.
To make things even easier, a full trash-out was provided at no cost. The home was cleaned out and cleared of clutter so Gene didn’t have to lift a finger. The sale closed in just 30 days, giving him the funds he needed to pay off his mortgage and move on.
A Clean, Updated Home for the Next Chapter
After the sale, the home was brought back to life. The kitchen was refreshed with new appliances and a fresh coat of paint. Doors were replaced, the interior was repainted, and the entire house was cleaned up. These updates helped turn the space into a warm, welcoming home once again.
A Fresh Start with Peace of Mind
When we learned Gene was juggling late mortgage payments and two liens, we knew House Buyers of America could help. We purchased the home for cash, and fast, giving him much-needed peace of mind. Instead of falling further behind, Gene could move forward with confidence.
Selling his home gave Gene exactly what he needed—relief from financial stress and the ability to start over. He didn’t have to worry about legal hurdles, repairs, or cleaning. Everything was handled for him from start to finish.
Gene’s story is proof that even when you’re behind on payments or facing tough financial obstacles, there’s still a way forward. With the right support, it’s possible to sell your home quickly and move on with confidence.