Foreclosure, a term that has unfortunately become more common than we would like, is the legal process that lenders initiate when a homeowner defaults on their mortgage payments. The procedures involved, as well as the duration, can vary significantly depending on which state the property is located in. This is largely due to the fact that different states either use mortgages or deeds of trust in their real estate transactions. And depending on which one is used, the foreclosure may be conducted either judicially (through the courts) or non-judicially.
If you are facing foreclosure, you may be interested in learning more about the foreclosure process and what your options are. However, as explained, the foreclosure process, laws, and timeline vary from state to state.
The table below outlines the estimated foreclosure timelines for each state, including the process period, publish sale, and redemption period on a state-by-state basis.
Get in touch with a local New Again Houses cash home buyer and learn more about avoiding foreclosure in your state.
- Foreclosure Timelines by State
- What factors influence foreclosure timelines?
- What are the typical steps in the foreclosure process?
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Foreclosure Timelines by State
| State | Process Period (in days) | Publish Sale (in days) | Redemption Period (in days) |
| Alabama | 49-74 | 21 | 365 |
| Alaska | 105 | 65 | 365* |
| Arizona | 90+ | 41 | 30-180* |
| Arkansas | 70 | 30 | 365* |
| California | 117 | 21 | 365* |
| Colorado | 145 | 60 | None |
| Connecticut | 62 | NA | Court Decides |
| Delaware | 170-210 | 60-90 | None |
| Florida | 135 | NA | None |
| Georgia | 37 | 32 | None |
| Hawaii | 220 | 60 | None |
| Idaho | 150 | 45 | 365 |
| Illinois | 300 | NA | 90 |
| Indiana | 261 | 120 | None |
| Iowa | 160 | 30 | 20 |
| Kansas | 130 | 21 | 365 |
| Kentucky | 147 | NA | 365 |
| Louisiana | 180 | NA | None |
| Maine | 240 | 30 | 90 |
| Maryland | 46 | 30 | Court Decides |
| Massachusetts | 75 | 41 | None |
| Michigan | 60 | 30 | 30-365 |
| Minnesota | 90-100 | 7 | 180 |
| Mississippi | 90 | 30 | None |
| Missouri | 60 | 10 | 365 |
| Montana | 150 | 50 | None |
| Nebraska | 142 | NA | None |
| Nevada | 116 | 80 | None |
| New Hampshire | 59 | 24 | None |
| New Jersey | 270 | NA | 10 |
| New Mexico | 180 | NA | 30-270 |
| New York | 445 | NA | None |
| North Carolina | 110 | 25 | None |
| North Dakota | 150 | NA | 180-365 |
| Ohio | 217 | NA | None |
| Oklahoma | 186 | NA | None |
| Oregon | 150 | 30 | 180 |
| Pennsylvania | 270 | NA | None |
| Rhode Island | 62 | 21 | None |
| South Carolina | 150 | NA | None |
| South Dakota | 150 | 23 | 30-365 |
| Tennessee | 40-45 | 20-25 | 730 |
| Texas | 27 | NA | None |
| Utah | 142 | NA | Court Decides |
| Vermont | 95 | NA | 180-365 |
| Virginia | 45 | 14-28 | None |
| Washington | 135 | 90 | None |
| Washington D.C. | 47 | 18 | None |
| West Virginia | 60-90 | 30-60 | None |
| Wisconsin | 290 | NA | 365 |
| Wyoming | 60 | 25 | 90-365 |
This data is based on our current knowledge of the foreclosure laws and timelines and is not necessarily set in stone. To confirm this data, we recommend consulting your local county government. Data source: RealtyTrac.
How long does the foreclosure process take?
The length of the foreclosure process can vary significantly depending on factors such as state laws, the type of foreclosure (judicial or non-judicial), and whether the homeowner contests the process. On average, the process takes anywhere from a few months to over a year.
What factors influence foreclosure timelines?
- State-Specific Laws
- Judicial States: In judicial foreclosure states, the lender must file a lawsuit and obtain court approval, which can take 6-12 months or longer.
- Non-Judicial States: In non-judicial states, the process avoids court involvement and typically takes 2-6 months, making it significantly faster.
- Homeowner’s Response
- If a homeowner contests the foreclosure or files for bankruptcy, the process may be delayed. These legal maneuvers typically require additional hearings and documentation, which can extend the timeline by months or even years.
- Type of Loan
- Government-backed loans, such as FHA or VA loans, often have additional protections and mandatory waiting periods, which can impact how quickly a lender can proceed with foreclosure.
What are the typical steps in the foreclosure process?
- Missed Payments (30-90 Days)
- The process begins when a homeowner misses payments. Lenders usually issue a notice of default after 90 days and give the homeowner time to resolve the delinquency.
- Pre-Foreclosure Period (90-120 Days)
- During this period, the lender attempts to reach a resolution with the homeowner. Options like loan modifications or repayment plans may be discussed.
- Filing of Foreclosure (120-180 Days)
- Once the pre-foreclosure period ends without resolution, the lender officially files for foreclosure.
- Foreclosure Sale (180+ Days)
- If no resolution is reached, the property is sold at auction. Depending on state laws, the homeowner may have a redemption period after the sale to reclaim the property by paying off the debt.
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Which states have the quickest foreclosure process?
The state with the quickest foreclosure process is Montana, followed by Mississippi, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Minnesota.
Which states have the longest foreclosure process?
The state with the longest foreclosure process is Hawaii, followed by Louisiana, Kentucky, Nevada, and Connecticut.
How many months behind on a mortgage before you go into foreclosure?
Your bank may begin the pre-foreclosure process when you are 90 days (or 3 months) behind on your mortgage payments. You still own the property, but unless you work out an agreement with your lender or sell the house before it’s auctioned off, you will lose your home to foreclosure.
How long is pre-foreclosure?
A house typically stays in pre-foreclosure for around 3 months. During this time, you can take steps to prevent foreclosure.
How long does the average foreclosure take in the US?
The average foreclosure process in the US typically takes about 180 to 200 days, but this can vary widely depending on state laws and whether the foreclosure is judicial or non-judicial. Some states have shorter timelines while others can take over a year.
How do I not lose my house to foreclosure?
When you are in pre-foreclosure, you have a few routes you can take to prevent losing your home. These include making up missed payments, asking for loan modification, obtaining a deed in lieu of foreclosure, or selling your home in a short sale.
How do I stop the bank from taking my house?
If you are facing foreclosure and you can’t afford to keep your home, you can sell your home during the pre-foreclosure process and stop the bank from taking your house. At New Again Houses, we can make you a fair offer, close quickly, and help you avoid foreclosure.
Stop Foreclosure on Your Home with New Again Houses
At New Again Houses, we buy, remodel, and sell homes for property owners who are facing foreclosure. We’ve been in the business of helping local homeowners sell their homes since 2008. Based in Bristol, TN, and serving homeowners nationwide, the New Again Houses team would love the opportunity to both prevent foreclosure on your home and invest in the local community.
Are you ready to sell your house, get a cash offer, close in a matter of days, and avoid foreclosure? Call 423.389.8005 or contact us today to get started.