States With Long Foreclosure Timelines

If you're a homeowner facing foreclosure, one of your biggest questions is likely: How long do I have before I lose my home? The answer largely depends on where you live. Foreclosure timelines vary significantly by state, ranging from a few months to several years. Whether your state uses a judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure process plays a big role, as do state foreclosure laws, court backlogs, and homeowner protection laws.

According to a 2025 foreclosure report from ATTOM Data Solutions, the average foreclosure timeline in the U.S. was 671 days, but in some states, it stretched well beyond that. Understanding the foreclosure process in your state can help you plan your next steps, explore foreclosure alternatives, and take advantage of available legal protections. This article covers how long foreclosures typically take, why the timeline varies, and what options you have as a borrower.

Average Foreclosure Timeline in the U.S. (2025 Data)

Again, according to a 2025 foreclosure report from ATTOM Data Solutions, the average number of days for a foreclosure in the United States (between the first public notice of foreclosure and the end of the foreclosure) was 671 days in the first quarter of 2025.

But in some states, the process was typically much longer. And in others, the timeline is shorter.

Why Foreclosure Timelines Vary by State

Depending on the state and circumstances, a foreclosure will be judicial or nonjudicial.

How Judicial Foreclosures Work (Slower Process)

Judicial foreclosures go through the state court system, meaning the courts are involved in every step of the foreclosure. So, a judicial foreclosure often takes much longer than a nonjudicial one.

Backlogged courts, judges' schedules, hearings, and required paperwork contribute to a prolonged process. Courts are often unable to process large volumes of foreclosures in an expedited manner.

How Nonjudicial Foreclosures Work (Faster Process)

In a nonjudicial foreclosure, the lender doesn't have to go through court to foreclose. For this reason, nonjudicial foreclosures are typically faster than judicial ones. But not always.

Laws That Can Delay Foreclosure

Another reason some states have long timelines is federal and state foreclosure prevention efforts.

• State foreclosure laws. Some states, like California, Colorado, Minnesota, and Nevada, for example, have laws that provide extensive homeowner protections, which can slow down the foreclosure process. Foreclosures can take a long time because lenders and servicers must comply with the requirements under these laws.
• Mediation laws. Some states, cities, and municipalities have foreclosure mediation laws that can delay the foreclosure process.
• Federal mortgage servicing laws. Federal mortgage servicing laws provide protections for homeowners in foreclosure. For example, if you submit a complete loss mitigation application, the servicer can't proceed with a foreclosure until it reviews your file.
• Foreclosure relief programs. Various foreclosure relief programs, such as foreclosure moratoriums and delays due to natural disasters, sometimes extend foreclosure timelines.

To learn about your options if you're facing foreclosure, get Nolo's The Foreclosure Survival Guide.

Top States With the Longest Foreclosure Timelines (2025)

As of the first quarter of 2025, according to ATTOM Data Solutions, foreclosures in the following states took an exceptionally long time.

Louisiana

Foreclosures in Louisiana took around 3,038 days to complete.

Hawaii

Hawaii also had long foreclosure timelines, averaging 2,274 days.

Kentucky

Foreclosures in Kentucky took, on average, 1,993 days to complete.

Wisconsin

Foreclosures in Wisconsin lasted around 1,952 days.

New York

The foreclosure process in New York took, on average, 1,910 days.

States With the Fastest Foreclosure Timelines (2025)

On the flip side, as of the first quarter of 2025, the following states had the shortest timelines: New Hampshire (110 days), Texas (116 days), Wyoming (136 days), Minnesota (139 days), and Rhode Island (149 days).

States With the Highest Foreclosure Rates in 2025

According to ATTOM Data Solutions, the ten states with the highest foreclosure rates in early 2025 were Delaware, Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, and Connecticut.

Options for Homeowners During a Foreclosure

If you're facing a foreclosure in a state where it takes a lot of time to complete the process, you'll probably have plenty of time before losing your home to:

• try to work out an alternative to foreclosure, like a modification, short sale, or deed in lieu of foreclosure, or
• live in your home without making payments before the foreclosure is completed.

Even if you live in a state where foreclosures move relatively quickly, you should have time to explore loss mitigation opportunities. In most cases, federal law requires the lender to wait 120 days before even starting a foreclosure.

Talk to a Foreclosure Attorney to Understand Your Timeline

Keep in mind that the timelines discussed in this article are averages. The actual length of any individual foreclosure depends on many factors, and your foreclosure could be longer or shorter than the state average.

Consider talking to a local foreclosure attorney to find out how long a foreclosure will take and get advice specific to your situation. It's also a good idea to speak to a HUD-approved housing counselor. A HUD-approved housing counselor will work with you, free of charge, to help you avoid foreclosure.