Deadlines & Timelines Every Texas Homeowner Should Know
If you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage payments, you may be wondering:
How much time do I actually have before my house is foreclosed in Texas?
Texas has one of the fastest foreclosure processes in the country. In some cases, homeowners go from a missed payment to losing their home in just over a month. That’s why understanding the timeline—and where you stand in it—is critical.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- The full pre-foreclosure timeline in Texas
- What happens at each stage
- Deadlines you must act before
- What your options are at every point in the process
⚠️ Already in pre-foreclosure?
Here’s how to sell your home fast before foreclosure in Austin, TX
🏠 What Is Pre-Foreclosure?
Pre-foreclosure is the period after missed mortgage payments begin, but before the home is officially foreclosed and sold at auction. During this stage, the homeowner still owns the property and can take action to avoid foreclosure—such as catching up on payments or selling the house.
📅 Texas Pre-Foreclosure Timeline Overview
| Stage | What Happens | Estimated Timing |
| Missed Payment(s) | You fall behind on mortgage payments. Lender may begin outreach. | Typically after 1–2 months |
| Notice of Default (NOD) | Official notice sent from lender stating you’re in default. | Usually 60–90 days after first missed payment |
| 20-Day Demand Letter | Legal notice giving you 20 days to pay the past-due amount. | Required by Texas law |
| Notice of Sale Filed | If not cured, a foreclosure sale is scheduled (minimum 21 days’ notice). | Notice posted and mailed |
| Foreclosure Sale (Auction) | Property sold to highest bidder or lender repossesses it. | Happens on the first Tuesday of the month |
⏰ How Many Days Do You Really Have?
Let’s look at an example timeline:
- Day 1: You miss your first payment
- Day 60–90: Your lender files a Notice of Default (varies by lender)
- 20 Days: You have 20 days to pay the default amount after NOD
- 21+ Days: Lender must give 21 days’ notice before auction
✅ Total time between first missed payment and foreclosure sale could be as short as 41 days after the NOD is issued.
In some cases, it can be 90–120 days total if the lender allows more grace—but don’t count on it. Texas foreclosure law allows lenders to move fast.
🔎 Detailed Breakdown of Each Stage
1. Missed Mortgage Payments
The process begins the moment you miss a payment.
Lenders often allow a 15-day grace period, but late fees kick in after that. You’ll start receiving phone calls and letters.
📌 Tip: At this stage, you can often set up a repayment plan or forbearance.
2. Notice of Default (NOD)
If you don’t resolve the issue after 60–90 days, your lender sends a formal Notice of Default.
This is the start of pre-foreclosure and becomes a public record.
Once filed:
- Credit reporting agencies are notified
- Investors and attorneys may begin reaching out
- You officially have a short window to act
3. 20-Day Right to Cure
Texas law requires the lender to send you a demand letter giving you 20 days to bring the loan current.
This is your last chance to:
- Catch up on missed payments
- Request a loan modification
- Sell your home to avoid auction
If you don’t respond, the lender can proceed.
4. Notice of Sale
Once the 20-day period ends, the lender must give at least 21 days’ notice before the foreclosure auction date.
The notice is:
- Posted at the county courthouse
- Filed with the county clerk
- Sent to the borrower by certified mail
The sale is scheduled for the first Tuesday of the following month.
⏳ This means you could be less than a month away from losing your home.
5. Foreclosure Sale (Auction)
On auction day, the property is sold to the highest bidder. If no one bids, it becomes an REO (real estate owned by the bank).
Once sold:
- You lose all legal rights to the property
- You may face eviction within days or weeks
- Your credit is significantly impacted
🚨 Why Timing Is Everything
Texas moves fast. Compared to judicial states (where foreclosures can take 6–12 months), Texas gives homeowners a very short decision window.
That’s why early action is critical.
✅ Selling during pre-foreclosure is often the best way to avoid foreclosure, protect your credit, and preserve your equity.
🛠️ Your Options During Pre-Foreclosure (and Their Deadlines)
| Option | Deadline | Notes |
| Catch up on payments | Within the 20-day notice period | Ends the pre-foreclosure process |
| Loan modification | Apply as soon as you receive NOD | May slow foreclosure, but not always guaranteed |
| Short sale | Must be negotiated with lender before auction | Takes time—start ASAP |
| Refinance | Only works if you still qualify | Harder once you’re in default |
| Sell your home to a cash buyer | Anytime before auction | Fastest and most reliable option |
✅ Final Thoughts: Know Your Deadlines. Know Your Options.
If you’re behind on payments, it’s easy to feel frozen. But in Texas, time is not on your side.
Understanding the Texas pre-foreclosure timeline empowers you to act early—whether that means selling, modifying your loan, or exploring other options.
📞 Need to Sell Fast to Avoid Foreclosure?
At CTX Cash Home Buyers, we help Austin-area homeowners sell their homes fast, before the auction date.
- No repairs needed
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📚 FAQ: Texas Pre-Foreclosure Timelines
1. How long does pre-foreclosure last in Texas?
Pre-foreclosure in Texas can last anywhere from 41 to 120+ days, depending on how quickly your lender acts. After you receive a Notice of Default, you have 20 days to catch up before a foreclosure sale can be scheduled with just 21 days’ notice.
2. Can foreclosure really happen that fast in Texas?
Yes. Texas is a non-judicial foreclosure state, which means lenders don’t need a court order. It’s one of the fastest foreclosure timelines in the country.
3. When does the foreclosure clock officially start?
The timeline officially begins when the lender files a Notice of Default, but you should take action as soon as you’ve missed a payment.
4. Do I still have time to sell after receiving a foreclosure notice?
Yes—you can sell any time before the foreclosure auction. In fact, selling quickly is one of the best ways to avoid foreclosure and protect your credit.
5. How can I stop foreclosure once a sale date has been set?
You’ll need to either pay the total amount owed, work out a plan with your lender, or sell your home before the auction. Cash buyers are often the fastest option.
6. Do weekends and holidays count in the foreclosure timeline?
Yes. Texas calculates the 20-day and 21-day notice periods as calendar days, not business days.
7. Can I get an extension on the foreclosure sale date?
Not easily. Texas law doesn’t require lenders to extend timelines, though loss mitigation efforts or bankruptcy filings may pause the process.