Published August 5, 2026

Behind on Your Mortgage? You Have More Options Than You Think.

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Written by Charles "Chuck" Shaver

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Falling behind on mortgage payments can feel overwhelming fast.  One missed payment turns into two. Mail starts piling up. Phone calls become stressful. And before long, many homeowners feel stuck, embarrassed, or unsure where to turn next.

But here’s the good news: if you’re behind on your mortgage in Florida, you may have more options than you realize.  That’s exactly why Chuck recently earned his CDPE designation - Certified Distressed Property Expert.

This certification gives homeowners access to specialized knowledge and guidance when facing difficult real estate situations like foreclosure risk, mortgage hardship, short sales, or major financial changes.  Because during stressful situations, having the right information matters.

What Is a CDPE?

A Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) is a real estate professional trained to help homeowners understand their options when dealing with mortgage challenges or potential foreclosure.

That can include:

  • -Short sale guidance

  • -Foreclosure prevention options

  • -Understanding lender programs

  • -Selling before foreclosure

  • -Navigating financial hardship situations

  • -Exploring alternatives to bankruptcy or foreclosure

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The goal isn’t pressure. It’s education, support, and helping homeowners make informed decisions before situations become more serious.

Why Acting Early Matters

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting too long to ask questions.  Many people assume foreclosure is their only option once they fall behind on payments. In reality, there may be solutions available that can help protect credit, avoid foreclosure proceedings, or create more flexibility moving forward.  The earlier homeowners explore their options, the more opportunities they typically have.  And honestly, life happens.  Job changes, medical expenses, divorce, rising insurance costs, unexpected repairs, or simply the increasing cost of living in Florida can put pressure on almost anyone financially.  There’s no judgment in asking for help.

Florida Homeowners Are Facing New Financial Pressures

Across Central Florida and West Volusia, many homeowners are feeling the impact of:

  • -Rising homeowners' insurance costs

  • -Higher property taxes

  • -Adjustable mortgage payments

  • -Increased monthly expenses

  • -Economic uncertainty

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For some homeowners, those rising costs can become difficult to manage over time.  That’s why working with a Certified Distressed Property Expert in Florida can be valuable for homeowners who simply want clarity about their situation and possible next steps.

You May Have More Options Than You Think

Every situation is different, but homeowners facing mortgage hardship may have options available depending on their circumstances.

Those options could include:

  • -Loan modification discussions

  • -Selling before foreclosure

  • -Short sale opportunities

  • -Repayment plans

  • -Refinancing solutions

  • -Connecting with lender assistance programs

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The important thing is understanding your choices before the situation becomes urgent.

Final Thoughts

Financial hardship can happen to anyone, and homeowners shouldn’t feel like they have to navigate it alone.  Chuck’s CDPE designation allows him to better support homeowners in Sanford, Orange City, Debary, Deland and throughout Central Florida who may be facing difficult mortgage situations and need honest guidance about their options. 

If you’re behind on your mortgage, worried about foreclosure, or simply unsure what steps to take next, know this: You may have more options available than you realize, and Chuck and his team are here to help you understand them, navigate them, and find the best path forward for your situation.

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Charles "Chuck" Shaver

| Chuck Shaver | The Shaver Group | Keller Williams Heritage Realty

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