Behind on Your Mortgage or Facing Foreclosure in Cleveland?
I’m Lonnie McInnis. I help Cleveland and Cuyahoga County homeowners who are behind on their mortgage, owe more than the house is worth, or have liens holding up a sale. I’ll listen, explain your options in plain English, and you decide. No pressure, ever.
Behind on Payments? Why It Helps to Talk Sooner
When you’re behind on payments or dealing with liens, it’s normal to want to put it off. But waiting usually means fewer choices.
- Missed payments, interest, and fees can keep adding up.
- Deadlines can shrink the time you have to find a solution.
- Even if you owe more than your home is worth, you may still have options.
- A plan, even a rough one, can take a lot of the worry off your shoulders.
Whether you’re behind on payments, dealing with liens, or owe more than your home is worth, I can help you explore a practical way forward.
Facing Foreclosure or Liens? A Different Approach
A lot of companies in this business have only one answer. I start with a different question: what’s the best outcome for you? Sometimes that’s a short sale. Sometimes it’s working with the lender on liens, or a creative option that lets you keep more of what you’ve built. And sometimes selling directly to me really is the best fit. I’ll lay out the choices honestly, including the ones that don’t involve me.
Why Homeowners Call Me
Focused on Cleveland & Cuyahoga County
I help homeowners throughout Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. Call or text (216) 238-3211.
Short Sale & Lien Specialist
I work with lenders and lienholders so you don’t have to do it alone.
Options, Not Pressure
You decide. Always.
I’ve been investing in real estate since 2020, and I focus on finding the right fit for each homeowner, not on pushing one answer.
How It Works (It’s Free to Talk)
Step 1: Reach Out
Call, text, or fill out the short form, whatever feels easiest. Tell me a little about the property and what’s going on. Everything you share stays private.
Step 2: We Talk It Through
I’ll listen, ask a few questions, and look at the details: the loan, any liens, and the home itself. Then I’ll explain your options in plain English.
Step 3: You Decide
Take the time you need. Talk with family, an attorney, or a HUD-approved housing counselor. There’s no obligation, and the choice is always yours.
Step 4: I Do the Legwork
If you choose to move forward, I handle the lender and lienholder paperwork, coordinate with a local title company, and keep you updated at every step.
Every situation has its own timeline. If I buy the house directly, it can move quickly. A short sale depends on the lender’s review and approval, which can take weeks or longer. I’ll be honest with you about what to expect.
Tell Me About Your Situation
It only takes a minute. I’ll reach out personally, with no pressure and no obligation.
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Meet Lonnie McInnis
Hi, I’m Lonnie. I’ve been investing in real estate here in Northeast Ohio since 2020, and my specialty is short sales and lien negotiation. I love real estate and I’m passionate about it, and I’ve always had a knack for helping people. This work lets me do both: help homeowners find a way forward when they feel stuck. When you call, my first job is to listen. Then I’ll explain your options, including the ones that don’t involve me, and help you choose what’s right for you and your family.
Ways I Can Help: Short Sales, Liens, Foreclosure, Inherited Homes
Every situation is different. Here are some of the options we can look at together.
Owe more than your house is worth? A short sale means selling for less than you owe, with your lender’s OK. I work with your lender to ask them to accept less than the full balance. The lender decides whether to approve it and whether to forgive any remaining balance.
House With Liens
Tax liens, judgment liens, second mortgages, and other claims can block a sale. I work with lienholders to try to clear the way so a sale can close.
Selling Before a Sheriff’s Sale
In Cuyahoga County, a foreclosure can end in a sheriff’s sale. Selling before then may help in some cases. Every case is different, and timing matters, so it helps to talk early.
Subject-To
In some situations, I can buy your home and take over making the payments on your existing loan. The loan stays in your name, so this option has real risks. I’ll explain them clearly, and I encourage you to have an attorney review any agreement before you sign.
Lease Option
In some situations, a lease with an option to buy can help a home sell, or help you stay flexible. I’ll explain how it works and whether it fits, and I encourage you to have an attorney review any agreement.
Selling Directly to Me (When It Fits)
If you have equity and want a simple sale, I can buy the house directly, as-is. If listing with an agent would get you more, I’ll tell you that, too.
Inherited a House?
Lost a loved one and now have a house to deal with? I help families understand their options, including how a sale can work when a probate estate is involved, and I’m glad to work alongside your attorney.
Rentals, Vacant Homes & Repairs
Tired landlord, empty house, or more repairs than you can handle? We can talk about those too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are honest answers to the questions homeowners ask me most. Don’t see yours? Call me at (216) 238-3211.
Are you a real estate agent?
No. I’m not a licensed agent or broker. If listing with an agent would be your best option, I’ll tell you.
What is a short sale?
A short sale is when you sell your house for less than you owe on the mortgage, and your lender agrees to take that lower amount. It can help when you owe more than the house is worth. I work with your lender to request approval and handle the paperwork. The lender decides whether to approve the sale and on what terms.
What if I owe more than my house is worth?
You may still have options. A short sale is one of them. I can look at your loan, any liens, and the house, then explain what may work. Your lender makes the final call.
Will I still owe money after a short sale?
It depends on your lender and your loan. Some lenders agree to forgive the remaining balance, and some don’t. That decision is up to the lender, and the terms should be in writing before you agree to anything. Forgiven debt can sometimes have tax effects, so it’s smart to talk with a tax professional. A HUD-approved housing counselor (800-569-4287) can also walk you through it for free.
Do you charge me anything?
No. You won’t pay me anything up front, and talking through your options is always free. How I’m paid depends on the situation. Sometimes I’m paid a fee at closing, which is listed on the closing statement so everything is in writing before you sign. If I buy your property, I earn my money when I later sell or rent it. Either way, I’ll explain exactly how it works for your situation before you agree to anything.
Will a short sale hurt my credit?
A short sale usually does show up on your credit report, and how much it affects your score depends on your situation. Many people find it less damaging than a completed foreclosure, but I can’t promise any specific credit result. For advice about your own credit, talk with a HUD-approved housing counselor or a credit professional.
Can you stop my foreclosure?
I can’t promise that, and you should be careful of anyone who does. What I can do is help you understand your options, such as a short sale or a sale that may resolve things before the process is finished, and work with your lender if you decide to move forward. The lender and the court control the timeline. Talking with an attorney or a HUD-approved housing counselor is always a good idea.
What are subject-to and lease options?
In some situations, I can buy a home “subject-to” the existing loan, meaning I take over making the payments while the loan stays in your name. A lease option is a lease with the option to buy later. Both can help in the right situation, but both have real risks. I’ll explain them clearly, and I encourage you to have an attorney review any agreement before you sign.
I inherited a house with problems. Can you help?
First, I’m sorry for your loss. Back taxes, liens, a mortgage, or repairs can make an inherited house hard to sell. Someone usually needs legal authority, often through probate, before it can be sold. I’ll explain your options and work with your family’s attorney.
Is there any obligation when I reach out?
None at all. You can ask questions, hear your options, and decide later, or not at all.
Areas I Serve in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County
I work with homeowners and families across Cleveland and nearby communities, including Garfield Heights, Brook Park, Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, Parma, Parma Heights, and Euclid.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Whether you’re a few payments behind, owe more than your home is worth, or are sorting out a loved one’s house, a short conversation can make things clearer. There’s no cost to talk and no obligation. Call me at (216) 238-3211, email mcinnispropertysolutions@gmail.com, or fill out the form below.
Let’s Talk About Your Options
No pressure. You’re always in control.
Have a question first? That’s fine. Ask me anything about your home, your loan, or a lien.
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