Free Tool
Foreclosure Timeline by State
Falling behind on mortgage payments is scary because so much of the process is hidden in legal jargon. Pick your state below to see the exact timeline — from first missed payment to eviction — with typical day counts and your legal rights at every step.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Foreclosure rules change and depend on your specific loan, county, and circumstances. If you are facing foreclosure, talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor or a foreclosure attorney in your state.
Detailed state timelines
We've researched and sourced the foreclosure process for the four states we serve. Click any state for the full timeline.
Indianajudicial • 240 to 360 days from first missed payment to sheriff's saleOhiojudicial • 210 to 420 days from first missed payment to sheriff's saleMichiganprimarily non judicial • 150 to 300 days from first missed payment to sheriff's sale, plus a 6-month redemption periodAlabamaprimarily non judicial • 90 to 180 days from first missed payment to foreclosure sale
What to do right now if you are behind
- Open the mail. Every notice from your servicer has a deadline. Knowing where you are in the timeline lets you act before options close.
- Call your servicer and ask for loss mitigation. Under federal Regulation X, the servicer must evaluate a complete loss-mitigation application before filing foreclosure.
- Talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor. The service is free. Find one at hud.gov/findacounselor.
- Compare your sale options. Listing with an agent, a short sale, or selling for cash to a direct buyer like Middle America Homes are all worth running the numbers on before a foreclosure sale.