How Much Time Do You Really Have Before Foreclosure in Texas?

Miles Carter
Sep 3
2 min read

If you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage in Texas, you may be asking yourself the toughest question of all: How long before I actually lose my home? The truth is, the foreclosure timeline in Texas is one of the fastest in the country. But understanding that timeline—and what steps you can take during it—can make all the difference.

Texas is a “Non-Judicial” Foreclosure State
How the Timeline Usually Plays Out
So, How Much Time Do You Really Have?
Why This Matters

Texas is a “Non-Judicial” Foreclosure State

Unlike some states where lenders have to go through the courts, Texas uses what’s called a “non-judicial” process. That means your lender doesn’t need a judge’s approval to foreclose, which speeds things up considerably.

How the Timeline Usually Plays Out

Here’s what a typical foreclosure process looks like in Texas:

Missed Payments Most lenders will reach out after your first missed payment. Technically, you’re in default once you miss even one, but foreclosure doesn’t start right away. Usually, it’s after 2–3 months of missed payments that things escalate.
Notice of Default / Notice of Acceleration If you don’t catch up, your lender will send you a formal letter—often called a “Notice of Default” or “Notice of Acceleration.” This is their way of saying, We want the full balance now, not just the late payments.
Notice of Sale At least 21 days before the foreclosure sale, the lender must file and send you a “Notice of Sale.” This tells you the exact date, time, and place your property will be auctioned off. In Texas, foreclosure sales happen on the first Tuesday of each month.
Foreclosure Sale On that first Tuesday, if no resolution has been made, your home can be sold at the county courthouse steps.

So, How Much Time Do You Really Have?

From the first missed payment to the actual sale, the process can move as quickly as 90 to 120 days. That’s not a lot of breathing room compared to other states. Once the Notice of Sale is posted, you may only have three weeks left.

Why This Matters

Many folks underestimate how quickly things move in Texas. Waiting until the last minute to look at options—like negotiating with your lender, refinancing, or talking with a home buyer—can close doors that might have been open if you acted sooner.

The key takeaway: time is short, but you still have choices. Even up until the sale date, there may be options to avoid foreclosure, protect your credit, and move forward with less stress.

If you’re staring at foreclosure notices and feeling like the clock is running out, you’re not alone. Knowing the timeline is the first step to taking control of it.

— Miles, Lone Star Home Buyers