Foreclosure guides
How foreclosure actually works in Texas, Florida and California, written for people who follow it for a living: investors, agents, lenders and attorneys. Each guide is checked against the state's own statutes, linked at the bottom of the page.
- How foreclosure works in Texas
Non-judicial and fast: a 20-day letter to catch up, a notice of sale filed 21 days ahead, and an auction at the courthouse on the first Tuesday of the month. - How foreclosure works in Florida
Judicial: a lawsuit and a lis pendens, a final judgment, then a clerk's auction (often online) 20 to 35 days later. Plus how tax certificates turn into tax deed sales. - How foreclosure works in California
Non-judicial: a recorded notice of default, at least three months, a notice of trustee's sale 20 days ahead, frequent postponements, and a 15- to 45-day window after many sales. Plus tax-defaulted property. - How to follow foreclosures in a county
Where the first public record shows up in each state, the rhythm of each county's calendar, and the habits that keep a list accurate.
Stuck on a word? The foreclosure glossary explains the terms you'll see on notices and auction lists.
County pages and state guides
Counties by state: California · Texas · Florida
How foreclosure works in California · Texas · Florida
Sources
General information, not legal advice. For your own situation, talk to a lawyer.