Foreclosure Definition

The legal process by which a creditor with a claim (lien) on real estate forces a sale of the property to collect on the debt. Foreclosure typically begins when a homeowner falls behind on mortgage payments for several months. (See also: judicial foreclosure, nonjudicial foreclosure.)

Copyright ©2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Consumer Health Data Notice.

Your Privacy Choices