This post is part of our complete guide: Cold Calling Real Estate: Scripts for Every Lead Source (2026 Guide) →
A pre-foreclosure script should open by calmly acknowledging that a notice was filed, make it clear you are not calling to pressure anyone, and ask what the owner wants to happen with the home. The goal of the first call is understanding, and the appointment you offer is a short meeting to lay out their options with real numbers.
Pre-foreclosure is the window after a lender files a notice of default (or a lis pendens in some states) and before the home is sold at auction. The owner still controls the property, and most owners are stressed and hearing from a lot of strangers.
Hi, is this [Name]? Hey [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Brokerage].
I'm calling about your property on [Street]. Public records showed a notice was filed recently. I know that's personal, and I'm not calling to pressure you. I just want to make sure you know what your options are.
Are you aware of what was filed?
Okay. Are you still living at the property? And are you trying to keep the home, sell it, or still figuring that out?
Do you know what deadline you're working against?
- If they say "I'm trying to keep it": say "That's the best outcome if it's doable. Have you been able to talk with your lender about reinstatement or a workout plan?"
- If they say "How did you get my number?": say "The filing is public record, and I understand it's unsettling to get calls about it. If you'd rather I not call again, I'll take you off my list right now."
- If they say "I don't know what to do": say "That's completely understandable. If you could design the ideal outcome from here, what would it look like?"
This call follows the structure in our real estate cold calling guide, slowed down for owners in a hard spot.
Some states regulate how anyone can contact or offer help to homeowners in foreclosure. Follow your state's rules, Do Not Call rules, and your brokerage's policy before you dial this list; our guide to do not call rules for real estate agents covers the basics. This is not legal advice, and you should never give legal or financial advice to the owner.
Which Pre-Foreclosure Script to Use When
| Situation | Script | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| First contact from public records | First call | Understand their plan and deadline |
| They are open to talking options | Three paths transition | Book a 20 minute options meeting |
| No answer | Voicemail | A respectful callback request |
| They asked for time | Follow-up call | Check in without pressure |
The Three Paths Transition
Use this once the owner is open to hearing options. Including the option to keep the home shows you are not just chasing a listing.
From what you're describing, there are usually three paths. The first is catching up and keeping the home. The second is selling it the traditional way before things go further. The third is selling quickly and walking away clean.
The one thing that tends to hurt people is waiting until the options narrow. Would it help to sit down for 20 minutes and go through the numbers, so you know exactly where you stand? You're in control of the decision. I just want you making it with full information. Would later today or tomorrow be better?
- If they say "I think I'm underwater": say "That's worth knowing for sure rather than guessing. Part of the meeting is figuring out what you'd actually owe against what the home could sell for."
- If they say "I need to think about it": say "Of course. What's the part you'd want to think through? Sometimes I can answer it right now."
If they agree, treat it like a listing appointment, but lead with their options before pricing.
The Pre-Foreclosure Voicemail
Never mention foreclosure, the notice, or the lender in a voicemail, because someone else in the household may hear it first.
Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Brokerage]. I'm calling about your property on [Street]. There's no urgency on my end, I just have some information that may be helpful. You can reach me at [Number] whenever it's convenient.
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The Follow-Up Call
When owners ask for time to talk to their lender, family, or an attorney, give it, then check in about them rather than you.
Hi [Name], it's [Your Name]. We spoke last week about your home on [Street]. I wanted to check in and see how things are going. Were you able to talk with your lender?
- If they say "We worked it out": say "That's really good news. If you ever need anything, you have my number."
- If they say "They won't work with us": say "I'm sorry to hear that. Would it help to look at the selling options side by side so you have a backup plan?"
- If they say "Please stop calling": say "Understood. I'll remove your number today." Then do it, and note it in your CRM.
Printable Pre-Foreclosure Call Sheet
Pre-foreclosure call sheet
Open: "I'm calling about your property on [Street]. A notice was filed recently. I'm not calling to pressure you, I want you to know your options. Are you aware of what was filed?"
Discover: Still living there? Keep it, sell it, or still deciding? What deadline are you working against? Talked to the lender about reinstatement?
Motivation: "If you could design the ideal outcome from here, what would it look like?"
Transition: Three paths: catch up and keep it, sell traditionally, or sell quickly and walk away clean. "Would 20 minutes to go through the numbers help? Later today or tomorrow?"
Voicemail: "Calling about your property on [Street]. No urgency, some information that may help. [Number]." Never mention foreclosure.
Follow-up: "Checking in on how things are going. Were you able to talk with your lender?"
Objections on Pre-Foreclosure Calls
Most pushback here is fear or embarrassment, so answer with patience.
- "I'm not interested." Accept it and leave the door open. The not interested objection page shows how to exit gracefully.
- "I need to think about it." Ask what part they want to think through; see the need to think about it objection.
- "I'm talking to an investor." Suggest they compare a cash offer against a traditional sale before signing anything.
- "I need to talk to a lawyer." Encourage it, and offer to meet afterward. If they have no one to call, point them to a HUD-approved housing counselor.
How Sayso Helps on Sensitive Calls
Sayso shows the next line live during the call with Sayso Cue, so when an owner says "how did you get my number" or goes quiet, the calm response is already in front of you. Smart Capture writes the notes to your CRM, including the owner's deadline. To see it on a real call, book a demo.
For other seller conversations that call for the same care, see our probate real estate script and divorce listing script, and for owners who live somewhere else, the absentee owner script.
FAQ
What do you say to a homeowner in pre-foreclosure? Acknowledge that a notice was filed, tell them you are not calling to pressure them, and ask what they want to happen with the home. Only then offer a short meeting to go over their options.
What does pre-foreclosure mean? Pre-foreclosure is the period after a lender files a notice of default or lis pendens and before the home is sold at a foreclosure sale. The owner still owns the home during this time and may be able to catch up, work out a plan with the lender, or sell.
Is it legal for agents to call pre-foreclosure leads? It depends on your state and on Do Not Call rules. Some states restrict how anyone can contact or offer help to homeowners in foreclosure. Check your state's rules and your brokerage's policy before you start, and talk to your broker if you are unsure.
What should you avoid saying on a pre-foreclosure call? Avoid anything that sounds like legal or financial advice, promises about stopping the foreclosure, or pressure to decide quickly. Don't mention the foreclosure in a voicemail, and never shame the owner for being behind.
Sayso Team
Team
