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Your State

What state is your property in?

Foreclosure laws vary significantly by state. Your state determines whether foreclosure is judicial or non-judicial, how long it takes, and what rights you have.

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Last Payment

When did you make your last mortgage payment?

If you're not sure of the exact date, estimate the month. The federal 120-day clock starts from the date you first missed a payment.

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Loan Type

What type of mortgage do you have?

Government-backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA) have additional protections that can extend your timeline. Check your mortgage statement if you're not sure.

Understanding Foreclosure Timelines

After you miss a mortgage payment, there's a federal floor of protections before foreclosure can begin. Regulation X (12 C.F.R. § 1024.39-41) requires your servicer to contact you, offer loss mitigation options, and wait at least 120 days before filing.

After the 120-day federal window, your state's laws take over. Judicial foreclosure states require a court process that typically takes 6 to 18 months. Non-judicial states allow faster action through a power-of-sale clause — sometimes as quickly as 60 days after notice.

This calculator combines federal timelines with your state's specific rules to show a realistic window. But timelines can be extended by filing for loss mitigation, requesting forbearance, or filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy (which triggers an automatic stay).

What Can Extend Your Timeline

  • Loss mitigation application — Under Regulation X, a complete application filed more than 37 days before sale stops the clock until the servicer evaluates and you exhaust appeals.
  • Forbearance agreement — Pauses or reduces payments, preventing foreclosure during the agreement period (typically 3-6 months, renewable).
  • Bankruptcy filing — The automatic stay (§362) immediately halts all foreclosure activity. Chapter 13 lets you cure arrears over 3-5 years while keeping your home.
  • State mediation programs — In states with mandatory mediation, the foreclosure process pauses while you and your servicer negotiate in front of a mediator.
  • Loan modification — If approved, the foreclosure process is withdrawn entirely. The modification permanently changes your loan terms.

Want a professional to review your situation?

A HUD counselor, attorney, or listing agent can help — many at no cost.

Thank you. A local professional will be in touch. In the meantime, visit our free directory to find HUD-approved counselors and legal aid near you.

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If this affects you, free help is available. Foreclosure help · Bankruptcy guide · Stop foreclosure · Find legal aid · Browse the Glossary · HUD-approved housing counselors are free (1-800-569-4287).