Foreclosure in New Jersey: Timeline, Strategies & Success Stories for Homeowners

Facing foreclosure in New Jersey can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. With the right knowledge and guidance, you can navigate New Jersey’s foreclosure process and even turn a difficult situation into an opportunity. This educational guide will walk you through the full New Jersey foreclosure timeline – from the first missed payment to a sheriff’s sale – and at each step explain strategies to avoid foreclosure and preserve your home equity. We’ll also share anonymized success stories of Burlington County homeowners who avoided foreclosure by leveraging real estate solutions. Throughout, the tone is supportive and informative, empowering you to understand your rights and options.

Understanding the New Jersey Foreclosure Process

The foreclosure process in New Jersey unfolds through several legal steps and typically spans many months—often more than a year. Because New Jersey follows a judicial foreclosure system, lenders must take legal action through the courts to reclaim a property. This extended process gives homeowners multiple opportunities to address the default before losing their home.

Here’s a general breakdown of how foreclosure usually proceeds in New Jersey:

1. Missed Mortgage Payments (Loan Default):
Foreclosure begins when a borrower becomes significantly behind on mortgage payments—usually after 90 days or more of nonpayment.

2. Notice of Intention to Foreclose:
Before starting a lawsuit, the lender is required to send a formal notice to the homeowner, providing at least 30 days to bring the loan current and prevent legal action.

3. Filing of Foreclosure Complaint & Lis Pendens:
If the default remains unresolved, the lender files a foreclosure complaint with the court and records a Lis Pendens—a legal notice of pending litigation—with the county clerk. The borrower is then formally served with these documents, initiating the legal case.

4. Homeowner’s Response (Answer or Default):
The homeowner has 35 days to respond to the complaint. A filed answer contests the foreclosure and moves the case before a judge, extending the process. If no response is submitted, the lender can move forward without opposition.

5. Pre-Trial Process / Mediation Opportunity:
If the foreclosure is contested, it may go through stages like discovery, court hearings, or mediation. New Jersey offers a no-cost foreclosure mediation program aimed at helping borrowers and lenders reach a resolution. If unchallenged, the matter is handled by the Office of Foreclosure administratively.

6. Default Judgment Notice & Cure Opportunity:
For uncontested cases, the lender seeks a default judgment. However, before final judgment is granted, the homeowner must receive written notice giving them a final 14-day warning and a 45-day grace period to catch up or make payment arrangements. This safeguard is part of the Fair Foreclosure Act.

7. Final Judgment and Sale Order:
If no resolution is reached, the court issues a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and a Writ of Execution. This authorizes the county sheriff to proceed with a public auction of the home.

8. Scheduling the Sheriff’s Sale:
The sheriff sets a date for the foreclosure sale. By law, the sale must typically take place within 150 days of the writ being issued. The sale details are advertised in newspapers and posted at the property.

9. Sale Postponements (Adjournments):
Homeowners are entitled to request two sale adjournments, each lasting up to 30 days. This can provide up to 60 additional days of delay. In some cases, the lender may agree to more postponements, and courts can approve further delays under specific conditions like ongoing loss mitigation.

10. Sheriff’s Sale (Auction Event):
On the scheduled date, the home is auctioned to the highest bidder. Often, this is the lender if no third parties bid high enough. The winning bidder receives ownership, but the original homeowner has a 10-day window to redeem the property by paying the full owed amount. After that period, the sale becomes final.

11. Post-Sale Period – Redemption, Proceeds, and Eviction:
If the homeowner can repay the debt or find a buyer within the 10-day period, they can still reclaim ownership. If the home sells for more than the debt owed, the former owner may claim the surplus funds. If the sale price is lower than the debt, the lender may pursue a deficiency judgment. Should the homeowner still occupy the property, the new owner must go to court to start the eviction process.

Stage 1: Pre-Foreclosure – Missed Payments and Notice of Intent

Foreclosure often begins when mortgage payments are missed—commonly due to circumstances like job loss, illness, or unexpected financial strain. Typically, once a borrower is 60 to 90 days overdue, the lender begins reaching out by phone and mail to notify them of the delinquency. It’s important to respond to these early communications—many lenders prefer to resolve the issue without legal action and may offer assistance if you engage with them early in the process.

Notice of Intention to Foreclose (NOI)
Before a lender in New Jersey can take legal steps to foreclose, they must issue a formal notice called the Notice of Intention to Foreclose. This document gives you at least 30 days to resolve the default—either by catching up on missed payments or negotiating a solution—before they can file a lawsuit. The notice also informs you of your legal rights, including the option to request foreclosure mediation or to sell or transfer ownership to settle the debt. Essentially, this notice is your final warning and a chance to act before the court becomes involved.

How to Respond During the Early Phase

This is the most crucial window to stop foreclosure from progressing. Here are several steps you can take:

1. Talk to Your Lender:
   Don’t wait for the notice to arrive. As soon as you know you’re at risk of missing payments, contact your loan servicer’s loss mitigation team. Explain your financial situation and ask about available relief options. Depending on your circumstances, you might qualify for solutions like loan modification, temporary forbearance, or a structured repayment plan. Most lenders are open to working with homeowners to avoid foreclosure if possible.
2. Bring the Loan Current (If You Can):
   If you have access to resources—such as personal savings, a bonus, or help from family—consider using them to bring your loan current by covering all missed payments and any associated fees. Doing this within the NOI’s 30-day grace period can stop the foreclosure process and preserve your home and credit rating. That notice period gives you a short but critical opportunity to regain control.
3. Get Help Through Mediation or Counseling:
   New Jersey offers a no-cost foreclosure mediation program that you can request after receiving the NOI. Mediation involves working with a neutral third party to explore alternatives with your lender, like restructuring the loan. In addition, certified housing counselors—approved by HUD—can provide free guidance, help you communicate with your lender, and assist with budgeting.
4. Consider Selling If Keeping the Home Isn’t Sustainable:
   If your financial challenges are ongoing and you don’t expect to recover in time to keep the home, selling it before foreclosure advances may be the best option. Many homeowners in New Jersey still have equity, even when facing foreclosure. In fact, a 2022 study showed that over 87% of borrowers in foreclosure situations had positive home equity. Selling during this early stage allows you to pay off the mortgage and possibly retain some cash, without the damage of a forced sale. Real estate agents can help you market the home quickly, and in some cases, your loan servicer may even recommend this path. If your home is worth less than what you owe, a short sale might be possible, where the lender agrees to accept less than the full payoff (we’ll cover that in more detail later).
5. Safeguard Your Credit:
   During this stage, a foreclosure has not yet been reported on your credit file. By resolving the situation early—whether by reinstating the loan or selling the property—you can avoid the long-term damage that comes from a formal foreclosure. This makes rebuilding your financial future much easier.

Real-world example: A Burlington County homeowner. lost his job and missed four payments. He received a Notice of Intent to Foreclose, which understandably caused panic. Instead of ignoring it, John contacted a HUD-approved housing counselor and his lender. He learned he had options: the lender offered a three-month forbearance plan to pause payments, and the counselor helped John apply for a loan modification. Meanwhile, John also explored selling his home given the equity he had. By taking action within the NOI’s 30-day window, John either would secure a modified loan or have time to list the property. In his case, the loan modification was approved, and foreclosure was avoided. But even if it hadn’t been, he was prepared to sell rather than lose the home at auction. The key was acting early.

Stage 2: Foreclosure Complaint Filed (The Legal Process Begins)

If the missed payments aren’t resolved during the notice period, the lender may move forward with formal legal proceedings. This step initiates the court-supervised portion of the foreclosure process.

Filing the Foreclosure Complaint
After at least 30 days have passed since the Notice of Intention to Foreclose was issued (often longer depending on the lender’s timeline), the lender’s legal team can file a Foreclosure Complaint in the New Jersey Superior Court, Chancery Division. At the same time, they file a Lis Pendens with the county clerk, which serves as public notice that a foreclosure case is underway on your property.

Once filed, you’ll be served with the complaint and summons—either by certified mail or a process server. These documents explain the lender’s claims (such as missed payments constituting a default), list the amount owed, and provide instructions for how to respond, along with information about available mediation programs.

Your Right to Respond (Answer the Complaint)
Once you’re officially served, you are a defendant in a foreclosure lawsuit. You have 35 days from the service date to file an official Answer with the court. This response allows you to dispute the lender’s allegations or raise any legal defenses—such as errors in loan servicing or improper handling of your payments. By answering the complaint, you prevent the lender from immediately securing a default judgment. The case will then be assigned to a judge, and proceedings can take several months.

If you don’t respond within the allotted time, the lender may pursue a quicker path by seeking a default judgment, which can significantly speed up the process.

What You Can Do at This Stage

Even once a foreclosure case is filed, you still have options—but it’s critical to act quickly and strategically. Here's how:

1. Take the Lawsuit Seriously:
   Whether your plan is to keep the home, sell it, or seek assistance, it’s often best to submit a formal response. By doing so, you protect your legal rights and gain more time to explore solutions. This time could be crucial—especially if you're preparing to sell the home, apply for assistance, or work out an agreement. If you’re unsure how to respond, speak with a foreclosure defense attorney or a legal aid service for guidance.
2. Keep Working on a Resolution:
   The lawsuit doesn’t mean all options are off the table. If you haven’t already applied for assistance—like a loan modification or forbearance—you can still do so. Federal regulations require that lenders review any complete loan modification application submitted at least 37 days before a scheduled foreclosure sale. Typically, in the early stages of litigation, no sale date is set yet—so this is an ideal time to submit your application.
3. Explore Selling the Property (Pre-Foreclosure Sale):
   You can sell your home during the foreclosure process. Many New Jersey homeowners choose this route to avoid a foreclosure judgment. If your home’s value exceeds the mortgage balance, you can complete a traditional sale, repay the loan, and keep any remaining proceeds. If your mortgage balance is higher than the home's value, a short sale may be possible. In this case, the lender agrees to accept a sale amount that’s less than the total owed. This avoids the need for a foreclosure and may even include financial assistance for moving costs (sometimes called a “cash for keys” program). While a short sale does affect your credit, the impact is generally less severe than a completed foreclosure.
4. Use Foreclosure Mediation if Available:
   If you didn’t apply for foreclosure mediation earlier, you can still do so after the lawsuit begins. New Jersey offers a state-run mediation program designed to help homeowners and lenders discuss potential solutions. Mediation can proceed at the same time as the court case and may even delay a sheriff’s sale if an agreement is being worked on.
5. Watch for Court Notices and Deadlines:
   Stay alert for any mail from the court or your lender. You might receive notices such as an “Intent to Enter Default.” Under state law, before the lender can obtain a final judgment, they must provide you with another notice offering a 14-day warning and a 45-day grace period to fix the default. These communications provide more chances to catch up on the loan or complete a pending sale.

Stage 3: Final Judgment & Pre-Sheriff Sale – Last Opportunities to Avoid Foreclosure

If the foreclosure lawsuit is not resolved through a dismissal, loan modification, or other settlement, it will eventually reach a critical point: Final Judgment. In an uncontested case, the lender may obtain a default judgment in a matter of a few months after the complaint (remember, even then the law gave you an extra 45 days to cure before judgment). In a contested case, it could take longer – sometimes a year or more – for the court to enter a judgment after motions and possibly mediation.

Final Judgment of Foreclosure: A final judgment order from the court means the lender has won the case and is legally entitled to foreclose. Along with the judgment, the court issues a Writ of Execution authorizing the county sheriff to sell your home at a foreclosure auction (sheriff’s sale). You will be notified of the judgment and eventually of the sale date. At this point, the clock is ticking down to the loss of the home – but there are still some measures you can take in this pre-sale interval.

Sheriff’s Sale Scheduling: New Jersey gives some breathing room between judgment and sale. The sheriff’s office must schedule and advertise the sale, which often takes a couple of months. By statute, the sheriff has up to 150 days from the writ to conduct the auction (about 5 months), though in practice it can happen sooner if schedules allow. In Burlington County, for example, the Sheriff’s Office will advertise the sale in two newspapers for four consecutive weeks, post a notice of sale at the courthouse and on the property, then hold the auction on the scheduled date. It’s important to pay attention to any mail or notices about the sale date – sometimes homeowners lose track if they’ve moved or are in denial, but not knowing the sale date won’t stop it from happening. Mark that date on your calendar as your ultimate deadline.

Strategies at Stage 3 (Pre-Sale Window): This period between final judgment and the auction is truly the last clear chance to take action. Here are strategies to consider when a sheriff’s sale is on the horizon:

• Use Your Adjournments: New Jersey law allows a homeowner (and the lender) to adjourn (postpone) the sheriff’s sale twice for up to 30 days each. This is done by submitting a written request to the Sheriff’s Office (and usually paying a small fee, around $28 per adjournment). You do not need the bank’s permission for these first two adjournments – they are your right. This can buy you up to 60 additional days. Many families have used adjournments to give a scheduled sale a little more time so that a pending home sale or loan mod can be completed. Example: The Johnsons in Willingboro (see Success Story #2 below) were able to delay their sheriff’s sale by 60 days, which was crucial to closing on their home sale and avoiding foreclosure. If you need even more time beyond that, further stays of the sale would require either the lender’s agreement or a court order (for example, a judge may grant an extra postponement if you’re in active mediation or have extenuating circumstances).

• Complete a Loan Modification Application: If keeping the home is still your goal, and you haven’t yet exhausted the loan mod option, get a complete application submitted as soon as possible. Under federal rules, if a complete modification package is in review, the lender generally cannot proceed with a foreclosure sale. Even if you applied before and were denied, a change in circumstances or new loss mitigation programs might make a difference. At the very least, the process of review could stall the foreclosure to give you more time to plan your next steps.

• Pursue a Quick Sale (Regular or Short Sale): By this stage, if you have not sold the home yet and foreclosure is weeks away, you might think it’s too late – but it’s not! You can sell your home any time before the sheriff’s gavel falls. Many foreclosure sales get canceled at the last minute because the homeowner found a buyer. That said, time is of the essence, so this is where strategic home marketing comes in. Working with a real estate professional who understands foreclosure timelines is key. They might employ an accelerated marketing plan: pricing the home competitively to attract immediate interest, reaching out to cash buyers/investors who can close fast, and perhaps scheduling frequent open houses to get maximum exposure quickly. If you get an offer, your agent or attorney can present it to the bank’s attorneys. Lenders will often delay the sale voluntarily if a signed purchase contract is in hand and closing is imminent (since a successful sale will get them paid in full). If the offer is a short sale (below the amount owed), there’s a bit more paperwork – you’ll need the bank’s approval – but even then, many lenders prefer approving a short sale to going through with the auction. Bottom line: a pre-foreclosure sale can happen right up to the eleventh hour. It allows you to preserve any equity (or at least avoid a foreclosure on your record), and the buyer gets the home without bidding at the auction.

• Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure: Another option to avoid the auction is a deed in lieu, where you essentially hand over the property to the lender voluntarily, and they agree to cancel the foreclosure. This option usually requires the house to be empty (and no other liens on the property), and the bank must agree to take ownership. The incentive for you is that some lenders offer cash-for-keys money in a deed-in-lieu arrangement(to help you relocate), and you avoid having a foreclosure sale on your record. However, you also give up any claim to equity in the home. If you have significant equity, selling on the market is financially much better for you than deed in lieu. But if you don’t have equity or a sale isn’t coming together, a deed in lieu can be a softer landing than a public foreclosure sale. Always get in writing that the deed in lieu satisfies the debt (so the bank doesn’t come after you for a deficiency later).

• Bankruptcy (Last Resort): Some homeowners file for bankruptcy as a last resort to stop a foreclosure sale. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy, for instance, can put an automatic stay in place that halts the foreclosure immediately upon filing. This can buy you time to either arrange a sale or even restructure the debt through a court-approved payment plan. Bankruptcy is a serious step with long-term credit implications, and it requires guidance from a qualified attorney. It’s not a decision to take lightly, but it is an option that legally freezes foreclosure actions. Even filing a Chapter 7 (liquidation) bankruptcy can delay a foreclosure for a short while due to the automatic stay, though the lender can ask the court to lift the stay. Important: Do not rely on bankruptcy as a strategy without legal advice. It can provide breathing room, but ideally, you’d use that breathing room to execute one of the other solutions (like a sale or loan mod).

At this pre-sale stage, working closely with your real estate agent and an attorney (or housing counselor) is vital. Timeframes are tight, and there may be legal nuances (like filing motions to stay the sale, or negotiating short sale approval). A seasoned professional can coordinate these moving parts. For example, if you’re in the middle of closing a deal with a buyer, your attorney might go to court to ask for a temporary stay of the sale, presenting the signed contract and a closing date. Judges often grant a short delay if they see the mortgage will be paid off imminently. These efforts can make the difference between a successful avoidance of foreclosure and the loss of your home.

Stage 4: Sheriff’s Sale and Post-Sale Outcomes

If no resolution is reached before the scheduled sale date, the property will be auctioned off at the Sheriff’s Office in Burlington County (or the relevant county for your location). At this public auction, the home goes to the highest bidder. In many cases, the lender will place a credit bid up to the amount owed on the mortgage, effectively reclaiming the property if no other buyers bid higher. However, third-party investors may also participate if they believe the property has value beyond the lender’s opening bid.

Immediately After the Sale: 10-Day Redemption Period

Once the auction is complete, a 10-day window begins during which the foreclosure is not yet final. Under New Jersey law, the homeowner has a 10-day right of redemption, which allows you to reclaim the property by paying off the full judgment amount—including all fees and costs.

While rare, redemption is possible if you manage to secure emergency funding or a buyer willing to purchase the home from you quickly. If the full amount owed is paid within this period, the foreclosure is reversed and you retain ownership. In theory, a home sale could close during this window and be used to redeem the property, though this would require precise timing and prior planning.

Surplus or Deficiency Outcomes

After the 10-day period ends with no redemption, the foreclosure becomes final. The proceeds from the auction are used first to cover the mortgage debt and any associated legal or administrative costs.

• Surplus Funds: If the winning bid at the auction exceeds the total amount owed, the excess is called a surplus. As the former homeowner, you may be entitled to claim this amount. These funds are usually held by the court, and you would need to file a formal request to recover them.

• Deficiency Balance: If the home sells for less than what’s owed, the remaining balance is referred to as a deficiency. In New Jersey, a lender may file a separate lawsuit to pursue a deficiency judgment for this amount. However, these judgments are relatively uncommon, especially for owner-occupied homes where the borrower has limited assets. If you completed a short sale or deed in lieu, any deficiency is often forgiven as part of the agreement. That said, it’s still something to be aware of—and if pursued, it may be dischargeable in bankruptcy.

Eviction Process (If You Remain in the Home)

The completion of the sheriff’s sale does not mean you must leave immediately. As the prior homeowner, you become what’s known as a tenant at sufferance. The new owner—whether a bank or private investor—must go through legal channels to remove you if you haven’t already vacated.

This involves requesting a Writ of Possession from the court and coordinating with the sheriff to carry out the eviction. This step can take several weeks or even a few months, depending on court schedules and local policies. Still, it’s best not to wait until the sheriff shows up—start planning your move early.

Post-Sale Strategies: Making the Most of a Difficult Situation

Even after the sale, there are still opportunities to protect your finances and secure a smoother transition:

1. Try to Redeem (If Possible):
   If you manage to arrange last-minute financing—perhaps through family, a new loan, or a buyer—you can still redeem the property during the 10-day period by paying the total owed. This is rare, but it’s your last legal opportunity to stop the foreclosure.
2. Look Into Surplus Recovery:
   If the auction resulted in excess proceeds beyond what was owed, those funds are yours to claim. You’ll need to apply through the court or sheriff’s office to recover this equity. In strong markets, some homes do sell for more than the debt, so it’s worth checking.
3. Negotiate a Cash for Keys Agreement:
   Whether the bank or an investor bought the home, you may be able to arrange a “cash for keys” deal. In exchange for leaving the home by a certain date and keeping it in good condition, the new owner offers you a relocation payment. This saves them the trouble of eviction and helps you with moving expenses. Cash for keys offers typically range from $500 to $3,000, depending on the situation. Be sure to get the terms in writing—including your move-out date and the condition of the property (“broom swept” is the usual requirement, meaning clean and free of debris).
4. Plan for Your Next Living Situation:
   Begin looking for new housing as soon as possible. Explain your situation honestly when applying for rentals—many landlords are willing to work with tenants recovering from financial hardship, especially if you exited your previous home respectfully. A real estate agent familiar with Burlington County can help you locate rentals quickly. Some specialize in helping homeowners transition after foreclosure.
5. Take Care of Your Well-Being:
   Losing a home is incredibly difficult. Give yourself space to process, but also know that this doesn’t define your future. Many people rebuild their credit and buy again within a few years. If you received surplus funds or a relocation payment, use them wisely to stabilize your next steps. And if the stress is overwhelming, reach out to support services, housing counselors, or mental health professionals.

Understanding each phase of the foreclosure process gives you the tools to respond effectively—even when things reach the later stages. In the next section, we’ll highlight a few real-life success stories from Burlington County homeowners who found a path forward, even after facing foreclosure.

Why Working with a Real Estate Expert Matters During Foreclosure

If there’s one recurring theme throughout this guide, it’s this: having the right professional in your corner can make all the difference when dealing with foreclosure. As someone deeply familiar with the Burlington County real estate market and local foreclosure procedures, I can tell you firsthand that the right guidance can help you stay on track, avoid mistakes, and protect your financial future.

• Clear Guidance Through a Complicated Process: An experienced real estate agent understands how foreclosure works from start to finish. They can walk you through the steps, explain key deadlines, and help you avoid critical missteps. Whether it’s reminding you about your options to delay a sale or helping coordinate with your attorney, their goal is to make sure nothing falls through the cracks during a very sensitive time.
• Understanding and Protecting Your Home Equity: Many homeowners facing foreclosure don’t realize how much equity they’ve built. A knowledgeable agent can evaluate your home’s current market value and compare it to your outstanding mortgage. If there’s equity, they’ll help you access it through a timely sale. And if the home is worth less than what’s owed, they can guide you through the short sale process and work to negotiate with your lender for debt forgiveness.
• Fast, Targeted Marketing Strategies: Selling a home while under foreclosure pressure isn’t the same as a typical real estate transaction. Time and strategy matter. A skilled agent knows how to price the home effectively, reach motivated buyers quickly, and present the home in a way that gets serious attention—even if you’re on a tight schedule. They may connect with cash buyers or investors, highlight the urgency of the situation to attract the right audience, and help prepare the home to show well without overspending. Their goal is to help you sell quickly and for the best possible outcome.
• A Reliable Network of Help: Professionals with experience in foreclosure cases often have a team they can call on—foreclosure attorneys, mortgage negotiators, investor contacts, and housing counselors. These connections can speed up the process, solve complex problems, and ensure your sale stays on track. With the right real estate agent leading the way, you have someone managing all the moving parts and making sure everyone involved is working toward a common goal.
• Skilled Communication and Negotiation: Foreclosure often involves tough conversations and quick decisions. Whether you’re requesting more time from the lender, negotiating a short sale, or working out a post-sale move-out agreement, you’ll want someone who knows how to talk to the banks and present your case effectively. A strong real estate advocate understands what lenders are looking for and can often find solutions that work for all parties.
• Empathy and Discretion: Going through foreclosure is emotionally difficult. There’s often fear, stress, and a sense of uncertainty. A compassionate agent understands that this is more than just a transaction—it’s your home, your stability, your peace of mind. They’ll help handle tough conversations with sensitivity and keep your situation private and professional. Their support can bring real peace during a chaotic time.
• Local Knowledge That Makes a Difference: An agent who knows Burlington County will understand how the local housing market is performing and what options may be available in your area. They’ll have insight into current home values, buyer demand, and how quickly homes are moving. If there are local assistance programs, they’ll know where to point you. And they’ll be familiar with New Jersey’s foreclosure rules, so they can help you make the most of every available protection.
• The Bottom Line: Working with a real estate expert who understands foreclosure gives you a serious advantage. They bring clarity, connections, and a well-informed plan to what might otherwise feel like an overwhelming situation. Just like you’d want an experienced captain steering your ship through rough waters, having the right real estate professional by your side can help you navigate safely to a better outcome.

Conclusion: You Have Options – Don’t Lose Hope

Foreclosure is a serious and stressful prospect, but as you’ve seen throughout this guide, homeowners in Burlington County have many opportunities to take back control. From the first missed payment all the way to the final moments before a sheriff’s sale—and even afterward—there are actionable strategies that can help you protect your home or, at the very least, secure your financial future. The key is staying informed and acting early.

Let’s recap some key takeaways:

Act Early: The sooner you face the situation, the more solutions are available. Don’t ignore that Notice of Intent. Open the lines of communication with your lender, seek professional guidance, and explore whether selling the home might be your best option. Early intervention can stop foreclosure before it officially begins.

Understand the Timeline: New Jersey’s foreclosure process includes several built-in opportunities for homeowners to step in and redirect the course. You may be able to cure your default early, respond to legal notices to slow the process, delay a sheriff’s sale, or even redeem the property shortly after the sale. These legal protections are designed to give homeowners time—make sure you use it wisely.

Explore Every Tool at Your Disposal: There are many ways to resolve a foreclosure situation—loan modifications, repayment plans, state-sponsored mediation, short sales, bankruptcy, or cash-for-keys agreements. Every situation is different, and often the best outcome comes from combining options. Whether you plan to stay in the home or move on, the right tools and timing can make all the difference.

Preserve Your Equity: Many homeowners in foreclosure actually have valuable equity in their homes. Foreclosure can erode that equity through court fees, legal costs, and below-market sales. By listing and selling the property proactively, you can maintain control over the sale and potentially walk away with cash to restart your financial journey. Even if the home is underwater, avoiding foreclosure can still help protect your credit and future borrowing power.

Lean on a Support System: You don’t need to face this alone. Assemble a team you can trust—a real estate agent who understands the foreclosure process, an attorney if needed, a housing counselor, and trusted family or friends to assist with logistics. Having the right professionals by your side can simplify the process and relieve much of the stress. As shown in real success stories, working with the right support can truly change the outcome.

Above all else, remember this: you still have options. Families across Burlington County have successfully turned around their foreclosure situations—either by saving their homes or by selling them in time to preserve their equity. You can too. The roadmap is here. You just have to take the first step.

If you or someone you care about is facing foreclosure in Burlington County, reach out today. With the right plan, timely action, and trusted guidance, you can turn a challenging situation into a fresh start.

Foreclosure doesn’t have to be the end—it can be the beginning of a new chapter. You’ve got this.