California Foreclosure Timeline 2025: Day-by-Day Breakdown

Updated January 2025 | Get Free Consultation

Understanding California's foreclosure timeline is critical to saving your home. When you know exactly where you stand in the process and how much time you have, you can make informed decisions about your next steps.

California uses primarily non-judicial foreclosure, which is faster than judicial foreclosure but still provides important protections for homeowners. This guide breaks down every phase of the process so you know exactly what to expect.

Quick Summary

Total timeline: Minimum 120 days from first missed payment to auction (typically 150-200+ days in practice)

Key milestones: Notice of Default (Day ~90) and Notice of Sale (Day ~180)

California Foreclosure Timeline Overview

Phase	Timeline	What Happens
Missed Payments	Days 1-30+	Grace period, late fees applied
Pre-Foreclosure Contact	Days 30-90	Lender must contact you to discuss options
Notice of Default Filed	Day 90+	Formal foreclosure process begins
Reinstatement Period	Days 90-180	90-day period to cure default
Notice of Sale Filed	Day 180+	Sale scheduled at least 21 days out
Foreclosure Auction	Day 200+	Property sold at public auction

Phase 1: Missed Payments (Days 1-90)

Approximately Days 1-90

Pre-Foreclosure Period

This is when you have the most options and the most time. During this phase:

Day 1-15: Grace period for payment (typically 15 days)
Day 16+: Late fees begin accruing
Day 30+: Lender must contact you to discuss loss mitigation options
Days 30-90: Collection calls, payment demand letters

Your options: Catch up on payments, apply for loan modification, forbearance, refinancing, or sell your home on the open market.

Best actions: Contact your lender immediately. Apply for assistance programs. Seek professional help.

Phase 2: Notice of Default (Days 90-180)

Approximately Days 90-180

Notice of Default Period

The Notice of Default (NOD) is the formal beginning of foreclosure. California law requires:

30-day waiting period: Lender must wait at least 30 days after contacting you before filing NOD
NOD filed: Recorded with county recorder's office (public record)
10-day mailing requirement: You must receive a copy within 10 days
90-day reinstatement period: You have 90 days to cure the default

Your options: Reinstate loan (pay all past-due amounts), loan modification, forbearance, sell home (traditional or cash sale), short sale, deed in lieu.

Best actions: Act quickly. Submit loan modification application. Consider selling if keeping the home isn't feasible.

Critical: The 90-Day Window

The 90 days after the NOD is filed is your most important window. Your lender cannot file a Notice of Sale until this period expires. Use this time wisely to explore all options.

Phase 3: Notice of Sale (Days 180+)

Day 180+ (after 90-day NOD period)

Notice of Trustee Sale Period

If the default isn't cured during the 90-day NOD period, your lender can file a Notice of Trustee Sale (NOS):

NOS recorded: Filed with county recorder's office
Publication requirement: Notice must be published in newspaper for 3 consecutive weeks
Posting requirement: Notice must be posted on the property
21-day minimum: Sale cannot occur until at least 21 days after NOS recording

Your options: Emergency reinstatement (up to 5 days before sale), quick cash sale, bankruptcy filing (creates automatic stay), full loan payoff.

Best actions: Seek emergency help immediately. Consider all last-resort options. Act within days, not weeks.

Phase 4: Foreclosure Auction

Day 200+ (varies)

Trustee Sale / Auction

The final phase is the public auction:

Location: Typically at the county courthouse or designated location
Process: Property sold to highest bidder
Minimum bid: Usually the loan balance plus fees
If no bidders: Lender takes ownership (becomes REO property)

After the sale: If sold, the new owner takes possession. You'll receive a notice to vacate, typically with 3 days to leave.

Where Are You in This Timeline?

The sooner you act, the more options you have. Schedule a free consultation to understand your specific situation and create an action plan.

Schedule Free Consultation Call (949) 565-5285

California-Specific Protections

California's Homeowner Bill of Rights provides important protections that can affect your timeline:

No Dual Tracking

Your lender cannot continue the foreclosure process while reviewing your loan modification application. If you submit a complete application, the timeline pauses until they make a decision.

Single Point of Contact

You have the right to work with one designated person at your lender throughout the process. This helps ensure consistent communication and accountability.

Right to Appeal

If your loan modification is denied, you have the right to appeal. This can extend your timeline and give you another chance at approval.

Accurate Documentation

Lenders must verify all foreclosure documents are accurate before proceeding. Errors in documentation can delay or invalidate the foreclosure.

Factors That Can Change the Timeline

Several factors can shorten or extend California's foreclosure timeline:

What Can Extend the Timeline

Loan modification application: Pauses process while under review
Bankruptcy filing: Creates automatic stay
Legal challenges: Contesting improper procedures
Lender delays: Many lenders are backlogged
Sale postponements: Auctions can be postponed multiple times

What Can Shorten the Timeline

Previous foreclosure attempts: May have shorter notice periods
Vacant properties: May move faster
No loss mitigation application: Process moves at standard pace

Your Options at Each Stage

Pre-Foreclosure (Most Options)

Loan Modification
Reinstatement (catch up on payments)
Forbearance
Refinancing
Sell your home

Notice of Default Period (Good Options)

Loan modification (submit immediately)
Reinstatement
Short sale
Quick cash sale
Deed in lieu of foreclosure

Notice of Sale Period (Limited Options)

Emergency reinstatement (up to 5 days before sale)
Quick cash sale
Bankruptcy (automatic stay)
Full loan payoff

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does foreclosure take in California?

The minimum time from first missed payment to auction is about 120 days, but most foreclosures take 150-200+ days. If you apply for loan modification or take other actions, it can take significantly longer.

Can I stop foreclosure after the Notice of Sale is filed?

Yes, you can reinstate your loan up to 5 business days before the auction. You can also sell your home, file bankruptcy, or pay off the loan in full. See our guide on how to stop a foreclosure sale in 24 hours.

What happens if I do nothing?

If you take no action, your home will be sold at auction. You'll lose all equity, damage your credit severely (7+ years), and may still owe money if the sale doesn't cover the full loan amount.

When should I contact a professional?

Immediately. The earlier you get help, the more options you have. Even if you're only one payment behind, exploring your options now can prevent foreclosure later.

Don't Let Time Run Out

Every day counts in foreclosure. Schedule a free consultation with licensed California professionals who can help you navigate this timeline and find the best solution.