Catch up or work it out
Call your servicer about a repayment plan or loan modification. A free HUD-approved housing counselor can help; find one with the CFPB's Find a Counselor tool.
Behind on payments in Virginia? You have more options than it feels like.
How foreclosure works in Virginia, how much time you usually have, and your real choices, including selling before a sale date.
No obligation. No pressure. Takes about 2 minutes.
How it works in Virginia
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1
More than 120 days behind
Under federal rules, a mortgage servicer generally can't make the first foreclosure filing until the loan is more than 120 days delinquent.
Source: 12 CFR 1024.41(f)(1)
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2
At least 60 days' notice
For an owner-occupied home, Virginia requires the notice of sale to be mailed to you at least 60 days before the trustee's sale. It must include housing-counseling and legal-aid contacts.
Source: Code of Virginia § 55.1-321
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3
The trustee's sale
Virginia foreclosures usually happen through a trustee's sale. The trustee named in your deed of trust sells the home at auction, at the property, in front of the circuit court building or at another place the trustee chooses.
Source: Code of Virginia § 55.1-320
Your real options
Sell for cash before the sale
If keeping the house isn't realistic, a cash sale can close in as little as 7 days and pay off the loan before the sale date, so you walk away with any equity instead of losing it.
List it, if there's time
With enough time and equity, listing with an agent often nets more. We'll show you both numbers side by side so you can decide.
See both numbers
Example: a $250,000 home
| Offer | $205,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | $0 |
| Commissions | $0 |
| Closing costs | $0 |
| You walk away with | $205,000 |
| In 7 to 14 days | |
| Sale price | $250,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | about $8,000 |
| Commissions | about $13,800 |
| Closing and holding | about $6,000 |
| You walk away with | about $222,200 |
| In 60 to 90 days | |
Example only. Your numbers depend on your home and market.
This page explains the general process. It isn't legal advice. Your loan documents and situation may differ, so talk to a housing counselor or attorney about your specific case.
Frequently asked questions
How long does foreclosure take in Virginia?
It varies. Federal rules generally prevent the first foreclosure filing until you're more than 120 days behind, and Virginia requires at least 60 days' notice before the sale of an owner-occupied home. Your notice of sale will list the date.
Can I still sell if I've received a notice of sale?
Often, yes. A sale that closes and pays off the loan before the trustee's sale date typically stops the foreclosure. Timing matters, so it helps to talk to us and your servicer early.
Where does a Virginia trustee's sale happen?
It's an auction run by the trustee named in your deed of trust, held at the property, in front of the circuit court building or at another place the trustee picks.
Who are you?
We are real estate investors based in Baltimore, helping homeowners since 2016. We buy houses directly for cash. We are not a licensed real estate brokerage and do not list homes ourselves; if listing could get you more, we show you the math so you can choose.