Washington D.C.
Foreclosure Process
MJ Adams Law helps people face the foreclosure process in Washington, D.C.
The legal steps, deadlines, and paperwork move quickly—and missing one step can make it harder to keep your home.
But it’s helpful to have a timeline for how the process works, and it’s also helpful to have the right legal team on your side.
Set up a free consultation today.
What’s the Timeline for the Foreclosure Process in Washington, D.C.?
Missing a few mortgage payments is never ideal, but D.C. law requires lenders to give you certain notices before they can fully start the foreclosure process in court. So, while it doesn’t happen overnight, it can move quickly—and knowing how the process works can make all the difference.
Here’s a quick overview of the timeline:
- Missed payments – The whole process starts the moment you miss a mortgage payment. It’s stressful, but know that missing one or two payments doesn’t automatically mean you’ll lose your home.
- Notice of Default – After 30 days of missed payments, your lender will likely send a Notice of Default. It’s basically a heads-up that you’re behind and need to take action.
- Notice of Intent to Foreclose – Around 45 days after the default notice, the lender has to formally notify you that they plan to foreclose. This notice will come in the mail, and should also come with a loss mitigation application—basically, your chance to explore alternatives like loan modifications.
- Foreclosure filing – If the situation isn’t resolved, the lender can take the next step and file a foreclosure complaint in D.C. Superior Court. This usually happens a few months into the process. This can happen between 90 and 120 days after the first missed payment.
- Mediation and loss mitigation – D.C. has a mediation program that’s designed to give homeowners a chance to work things out. The lender must also file a final loss mitigation affidavit at least 30 days before any sale takes place. It’s a chance to find a solution before your home is auctioned.
- Notice of Foreclosure Sale – If no agreement is reached, the lender will send a Notice of Foreclosure Sale at least 30 days before the auction. This is your last official warning that your home could be sold.
- Foreclosure sale –Your home is sold at a public auction. At this point, ownership may change hands if the debt isn’t paid.
- Redemption period – Even after the sale, there’s still a window where you can pay off the loan balance plus any costs. It’s the final opportunity to keep your home.
- Eviction – If the home has a new owner and you haven’t moved out, they may need to file for eviction, which can take some extra time.
No matter if you’re in a Capitol Hill rowhouse or a Dupont Circle condo, the foreclosure process follows the same steps—the real difference is how quickly you respond and the decisions you make along the way.
Reach Out to MJ Adams Law If You’re Facing Foreclosure in Washington, D.C.
You obviously never want to be in a situation where your home is in jeopardy, but in Washington, D.C., this can happen–especially if there’s health or family problems. And while the process is stressful, it’s not something you have to face alone. At MJ Adams Law, my firm will:
- Walk you through your options, whether it’s loan modification, a repayment plan, or mediation, and we’ll help you understand what’s best for your situation.
- Make sure your rights are protected against the bank and any unfair tactics they try to use in court.
- Keep track of deadlines and where the process is in court. We’ll also handle all the court filings, mediation requests, and other details so you don’t have to worry.
- If your foreclosure goes before the judge, we’ll present your defense and challenge any mistakes made by the lender.
Foreclosure is stressful enough without trying to face everything by yourself. That’s when you need the right support and guidance. Reach out today to set up a free consultation and let us guide you through the foreclosure process.