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Learn how foreclosures in Texas work.If you default on your mortgage payments in Texas, the servicer (on behalf of the loan owner, called the "lender" in this article) will eventually begin the foreclosure process. The method will most likely be nonjudicial, although judicial foreclosures are also allowed. Texas law specifies how nonjudicial procedures work, and both federal and state laws give you rights and protections throughout the foreclosure. Mortgage Loans in TexasIf you get a mortgage loan to buy residential real estate in Texas, you'll likely sign two documents: a promissory note and a deed of trust. The promissory note is the document that contains your promise to repay the loan along with the repayment terms. The deed of trust, which is very similar to a mortgage, is the document that gives the lender a security interest in the property and will probably include a power of sale clause. If you fail to make the payments, the power of sale clause gives the lender the right to sell the home nonjudicially so it can recoup the money it loaned you. What Happens if You Miss a Mortgage PaymentIf you miss a payment, the servicer can usually charge a late fee after the grace period expires. Most mortgage loans give a grace period of ten to fifteen days, for example, before you'll incur late charges. To find out the grace period in your situation and the amount of the late fee, review the promissory note or your monthly billing statement. If you miss a few mortgage payments, the servicer will probably send letters and call you to try to collect. Federal mortgage servicing laws require the servicer to contact you (or attempt to contact you) by phone to discuss foreclosure alternatives—called "loss mitigation" options—no later than 36 days after a missed payment and again within 36 days after each following missed payment. No more than 45 days after a missed payment, the servicer must let you know in writing about loss mitigation options that could be available, and assign personnel to help you. Some exceptions to a few of these requirements exist, like if you file for bankruptcy or tell the servicer not to contact you under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. (12 C.F.R. § 1024.39). What Is a Breach Letter?Many deeds of trust in Texas have a provision that requires the lender to send a breach letter if you fall behind in payments. This notice tells you that the loan is in default. If you don't cure the default, the lender can accelerate the loan (call it due) and go ahead with the foreclosure. When Does Foreclosure Start?Federal law generally requires the servicer to wait until the loan is over 120 days delinquent before officially starting a foreclosure. However, in a few situations, like if you violate a due-on-sale clause or if the servicer is joining the foreclosure action of a superior or subordinate lienholder, the foreclosure can begin sooner. (12 C.F.R. § 1024.41). State Foreclosure Laws in TexasAgain, most Texas foreclosures are nonjudicial. Notice of the ForeclosureIn Texas, the foreclosing lender has to give two notices of the foreclosure: a notice of default and a notice of sale. Notice of Default and Intent to Accelerate. The servicer must mail you a Notice of Default and Intent to Accelerate. ("Accelerate" means to demand that the entire balance of the loan be repaid). This notice has to give you at least 20 days to cure the default. (Tex. Prop. Code Ann. § 51.002(d)). Notice of Sale. After the cure period expires, and at least 21 days before the foreclosure sale, the servicer then mails a Notice of Sale to each borrower. The servicer must also post the Notice of Sale at the courthouse door and file it with the county clerk. (Tex. Prop. Code Ann. § 51.002(b)). The Foreclosure SaleThe sale is a public sale, open to all bidders. The lender normally makes a bid on the property using what's called a "credit bid" rather than bidding cash. (The lender gets a credit up to the amount of the borrower's debt.) The highest bidder at the sale becomes the new owner of the property. Right to Reinstate Before a Foreclosure Sale in Texas"Reinstating" is when a borrower pays the overdue amount, plus fees and costs, to bring the loan current and stop a foreclosure. In Texas, you get the right to reinstate the loan within 20 days after the servicer serves (mails) the Notice of Default and Intent to Accelerate. (Tex. Prop. Code Ann. § 51.002(d)). The terms of the deed of trust that you signed when you took out the loan might also provide you with additional time to complete a reinstatement before the sale happens. Check your loan documents for details. Deficiency Judgments Following the Sale in TexasSometimes, a foreclosure sale doesn't bring in enough money to pay off the full amount owed on the loan. The difference between the sale price and the total debt is called a "deficiency balance." Many states allow the lender to get a personal judgment, called a "deficiency judgment," for this amount against the borrower. In Texas, to get a deficiency judgment after a nonjudicial foreclosure, the lender must file a lawsuit within two years after the foreclosure sale. You can ask the court to determine the property's fair market value. If the court says that the fair market value is more than the foreclosure sale price, you're entitled to an offset against the deficiency. (Tex. Prop. Code § 51.003). Redemption Period After a Foreclosure Sale in TexasSome states have a law that gives a foreclosed homeowner time after the foreclosure sale to redeem the property. Texas law, however, doesn't provide you with a right to redeem your home following the foreclosure. Eviction After ForeclosureIf you don't vacate the home after the foreclosure sale, the purchaser who bought the property at the sale must give a notice to quit (move out) before initiating an eviction lawsuit against you. This kind of lawsuit is called a "forcible detainer" action in Texas. Getting Help from a Texas Foreclosure LawyerThis article contains details on foreclosure laws in Texas with citations to statutes so you can learn more. Statutes change, so checking them is always a good idea. How courts and agencies interpret and apply the law can also change. And some rules can even vary within a state. These are just some of the reasons to consult with an attorney if you're facing a foreclosure. Also, foreclosure laws are complicated. Servicers and lenders sometimes make errors or forget steps. If you think your servicer or lender failed to complete a required step, made a mistake, or violated state or federal foreclosure laws, you might have a defense that could force a restart to the foreclosure or you might have leverage to work out an alternative. Consider talking to a local foreclosure attorney or legal aid office immediately to learn about your rights. A lawyer can also tell you about different ways to avoid foreclosure. Likewise, a HUD-approved housing counselor can provide helpful information (at no cost) about various alternatives to foreclosure. What types of foreclosures are used in Texas?In Texas, there are three ways in which a lienholder can foreclose on a property:. Judicial Foreclosure. A judicial foreclosure requires the lienholder to file a civil lawsuit against the homeowner. ... . Non-Judicial Foreclosure. ... . Expedited Foreclosure.. What is the foreclosure process in Texas?Under Texas law, a lender has to use a quasi-judicial process to foreclose a home equity loan. In this process, the lender must get a court order approving the foreclosure before conducting a nonjudicial foreclosure. Also, Texas law doesn't allow deficiency judgments following the foreclosure of a home equity loan.
What are the kinds of foreclosure?There are two types of foreclosure: judicial foreclosures, which require a court order, and non-judicial foreclosures, which do not. In judicial foreclosures, the mortgagee must go to court and prove that it owns the mortgage and has the right to foreclose on it.
Where are nonMost foreclosures in Texas are nonjudicial. These are governed by chapter 51 of the Property Code and are held on the first Tuesday of each month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at a designated spot at or near the county courthouse.
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