New Jersey Foreclosure Resources
Free educational resources to help you understand the foreclosure process, know your rights, and explore all your options. Knowledge is power.
Understanding the NJ Foreclosure Timeline
New Jersey is a judicial foreclosure state, meaning lenders must go through the court system. The process typically takes 270-400 days, but you have options at every stage.
Days 1-30: Missed Payment
Act NowYou miss your first mortgage payment. Your lender will start calling and sending notices.
Your Options:
- Contact your lender to discuss payment plans
- Apply for loan modification
- Explore government assistance programs
- Contact us for a cash offer
Days 31-90: Default Status
Still TimeAfter 90 days of non-payment, your loan is officially in default. Lender may file a Notice of Intent (NOI).
Your Options:
- Reinstate the loan by paying all missed payments
- Negotiate forbearance agreement
- Sell your house to avoid foreclosure
- Consider short sale if underwater
Days 91-150: Lis Pendens Filed
UrgentLender files a Lis Pendens (notice of pending legal action) with the county. This is public record and appears on your credit report.
Your Options:
- Hire a foreclosure defense attorney
- File answer to foreclosure complaint
- Sell quickly to cash buyer
- Apply for emergency assistance programs
Days 151-270: Court Proceedings
CriticalCourt hearings, mediation, and potential judgment. If you lose in court, the judge issues a Final Judgment of Foreclosure.
Your Options:
- Attend mandatory mediation sessions
- Present hardship case to lender
- Sell immediately to stop sheriff sale
- File bankruptcy to delay (last resort)
Day 270+: Sheriff Sale Scheduled
Final StageSheriff sale date is set. Your home will be auctioned to the highest bidder. You typically have 10 days to vacate after the sale.
Your Final Options:
- Sell before the sheriff sale date (we can close in 7 days)
- Request postponement from the court
- Bankruptcy may delay but not stop the process
- Cash-for-keys agreement with lender
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
The earlier you act, the more options you have. We can help at ANY stage of the foreclosure process, even days before the sheriff sale.
Call Now: (856) 879-1492Know Your Rights in NJ
Right to Mediation
New Jersey offers foreclosure mediation programs where you can negotiate with your lender face-to-face. A neutral mediator helps facilitate discussions about loan modifications, repayment plans, or other alternatives to foreclosure.
Right to Reinstate
You have the right to reinstate your mortgage by paying all missed payments, late fees, and legal costs up until the sheriff sale. This stops the foreclosure process completely.
Right to Redemption
In NJ, you have a limited right of redemption after the sheriff sale. You can reclaim your property by paying the full amount owed plus costs within 10 days of the sale.
Right to Legal Representation
You have the right to hire an attorney to defend against foreclosure. Legal Aid organizations in NJ offer free services to qualifying homeowners facing foreclosure.
Fair Debt Collection Protections
Lenders and debt collectors must follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. They cannot harass you, call at unreasonable hours, or make false threats.
Right to Challenge
You can challenge the foreclosure in court if the lender made procedural errors, didn't follow proper notification requirements, or if you believe the foreclosure is wrongful.
Government Assistance Programs
NJ HomeKeeper Program
Provides up to $35,000 in assistance for eligible homeowners to catch up on mortgage payments, property taxes, and other housing expenses.
Website: njhousing.gov/homekeeper
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
Free foreclosure prevention counseling from HUD-certified counselors. They can help you understand your options and negotiate with your lender.
Hotline: 1-800-569-4287 or visit HUD.gov
NJ Foreclosure Mediation Program
Court-ordered mediation gives you a chance to sit down with your lender and a neutral mediator to explore alternatives to foreclosure.
Contact your county court or visit njcourts.gov
FEMA Disaster Assistance
If your financial hardship is due to a federally declared disaster (flood, hurricane, etc.), you may qualify for FEMA assistance to help with mortgage payments.
Website: FEMA.gov or call 1-800-621-3362
Legal Services of New Jersey
Free legal help for low-income homeowners facing foreclosure. Attorneys can represent you in court and negotiate with lenders.
Hotline: 1-888-576-5529 or visit LSNJ.org
Alternatives to Foreclosure
Loan Modification
Work with your lender to permanently change the terms of your mortgage - lower interest rate, extended term, or reduced principal.
Best for:
Homeowners who want to keep their home and can afford modified payments.
Forbearance Agreement
Temporarily reduce or suspend your mortgage payments for a specific period. You'll need to repay missed amounts later.
Best for:
Temporary financial hardship with expected income recovery.
Short Sale
Sell your home for less than you owe with lender approval. Lender forgives the difference. Less damaging to credit than foreclosure.
Best for:
Homeowners who owe more than their home is worth.
Deed in Lieu
Voluntarily transfer ownership to your lender in exchange for release from mortgage debt. Faster than foreclosure.
Best for:
Cooperative lenders and homeowners who can't sell traditionally.
Sell to Cash Buyer
Sell quickly to an investor for cash. Close in days, stop foreclosure, protect your credit, and potentially walk away with money.
Best for:
Homeowners who need fast solutions and want to move on.
Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 can stop foreclosure temporarily and allow you to catch up on payments over time. Chapter 7 may delay but not prevent foreclosure.
Best for:
Last resort when other options have failed.
Important Foreclosure Documents Explained
Notice of Intent to Foreclose (NOI)
First formal notice that you're in default. Required 30 days before lender can file foreclosure lawsuit. Lists amount owed and gives you time to cure the default.
Lis Pendens
Latin for "suit pending." Public notice filed with county that foreclosure lawsuit has begun. Appears on property records and your credit report.
Summons and Complaint
Official foreclosure lawsuit documents. You have 35 days to file an answer with the court. Failure to respond results in automatic judgment against you.
Final Judgment of Foreclosure
Court order allowing lender to sell your property at sheriff sale. Includes total amount owed and sets the minimum bid amount for the auction.
Writ of Execution
Court order directing the sheriff to schedule and conduct the foreclosure sale. Sale must be advertised publicly for several weeks before the auction date.
Sheriff's Deed
Transfers ownership from you to the winning bidder at the sheriff sale. You typically have 10 days to vacate the property after this is issued.
Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help.
Whether you're exploring your options or ready to sell, we provide honest answers and fair solutions. No pressure, no obligation.