Postponement

Moving a scheduled foreclosure sale to a later date, which happens often, especially in California.

A postponement moves a foreclosure sale to a later date. It's common, which is why the date on a notice should be treated as a plan, not a promise.

California. The trustee announces each postponement at the time and place of the scheduled sale, along with the new date, time and place. Postponements can come from a court order or bankruptcy, an agreement with the borrower, or the trustee's discretion, and they can add up to 365 days from the date in the notice of sale. After that, a new notice is required. Since 2025, homes with one to four units have two more triggers: a 45-day postponement (once) when the owner gives the trustee a listing agreement with a licensed broker at least five business days ahead, and a postponement of at least seven days when no bid at the first sale on a first loan reaches 67% of fair market value. A postponement of more than five business days also revives the right to reinstate. How California foreclosure works

Texas. A sale can only happen on the first Tuesday named in a notice given at least 21 days ahead, so a postponed sale usually comes back as a new notice for a later month. How Texas foreclosure works

Florida. The sale date comes from the court's judgment, so moving it takes a new court order. How Florida foreclosure works

All glossary terms

General information, not legal advice. For your own situation, talk to a lawyer.