Losing a job is tough, especially when you have a mortgage or home expenses to think about. If you’ve been laid off and you’re wondering what to do with your house in Irvine, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this challenge and aren’t sure what the next steps should be. The good news is, there are options available—even if things feel uncertain right now.
Whether you need to sell quickly or just want to explore your choices, this guide will walk you through what to do after a job layoff if you’re considering selling your Irvine home.
1. Take a Deep Breath and Assess Your Financial Situation
Before making any big decisions, it’s important to understand where you stand financially. Job loss can be overwhelming, but taking the time to sit down and review your income, savings, monthly expenses, and debts can help you create a game plan.
Here are some things to look at:
- How long can your savings cover your mortgage and bills?
- Are you eligible for unemployment benefits or severance pay?
- Can you reduce any unnecessary expenses temporarily?
- Are you behind on mortgage payments or in danger of falling behind?
If you already know you can’t keep up with the mortgage long-term, it may be time to think about selling your home. Selling before falling into foreclosure can save your credit and give you more control over the process.

2. Consider Your Selling Options in Irvine
Once you’ve reviewed your finances, the next step is to decide the best way to sell your home. In Irvine, you typically have a few different paths you can take:
Traditional Sale
This means listing your home with a real estate agent. If your house is in good shape and you’re not in a rush, this might work. However, keep in mind it could take weeks or even months to find a buyer, and you’ll need to pay agent commissions and possibly make repairs.
For Sale by Owner (FSBO)
You can sell the home yourself, without an agent. This can save money, but it’s a lot of work—and you’ll still need to handle showings, paperwork, negotiations, and legal details.
Sell to a Cash Home Buyer Like House Buyers Southern California
If you need to sell quickly or your home needs repairs, working with a professional home buyer like House Buyers Southern California can make things easier. You can get a no-obligation cash offer, close on your timeline, and avoid the hassle of listings, repairs, or fees. This is a great option if you want to move on quickly without the stress.
3. Be Aware of Foreclosure and Your Rights
If you’ve already missed mortgage payments, it’s important to act fast. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to recover financially.
In most cases, lenders won’t begin foreclosure proceedings until you’ve missed at least 3 payments—but that can vary. Some options to avoid foreclosure include:
- Loan modification: Your lender may adjust your loan terms to make payments more manageable.
- Forbearance: This is a temporary pause on your payments.
- Short sale: You sell your home for less than you owe, with your lender’s approval.
- Sell to a cash buyer like House Buyers Southern California: This allows you to avoid foreclosure and get out of your mortgage quickly.
Make sure to open all letters from your lender and respond to any notices. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away, and you may miss out on chances to fix the situation.
4. How House Buyers Southern California Can Help You Move Forward
At House Buyers Southern California, we know how stressful job loss can be—especially when you’re trying to figure out what to do with your home. That’s why we make the process simple, fast, and fair.
Here’s what we offer:
- No repairs needed: Sell your house as-is, even if it needs major work.
- No agent fees: You won’t pay commissions or closing costs.
- Fast closing: Pick a closing date that works for you—sometimes in as little as 7 days.
- Cash offers: Get a fair, no-pressure cash offer within 24 hours.
- Privacy and respect: We understand this is a tough time, and we treat every homeowner with honesty and compassion.
Many Irvine homeowners in similar situations have trusted House Buyers Southern California to help them move forward. Whether you’re behind on payments or just need a fresh start, we’re here to help you through it.
Final Thoughts
Losing a job can flip your world upside down. But if you’re proactive and know your options, you can take control of your situation. If selling your Irvine home makes sense for your future, there’s no shame in that—it can be a smart step toward a new beginning.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re looking to sell fast, avoid foreclosure, or just explore your options, House Buyers Southern California is here to help. Reach out today for a no-obligation offer and see how simple the process can be.