| Judicial |
Non-Judicial |
Process Period |
Sale Publication |
Redemption Period |
Sale/NTS |
| Yes |
Yes |
37 Days |
32 Days |
None |
Trustee |
Pre-foreclosure Period
A court foreclosure occurs when there are title problems or the mortgage or trust deed lacks a clause permitting an out-of-court proceeding. The process begins when a lender files a petition describing the situation, the property, and the default amount. The borrower then receives a 30-day written notice in which the default must be paid to the court. If the default is not resolved, a foreclosure sale is scheduled.
The out-of-court process is more common, as most mortgages and trust deeds contain a clause giving a lender the power to sell the property outside of the court system. The lender starts the foreclosure process by scheduling a foreclosure sale. Georgia does not require lenders to warn the borrower before starting the foreclosure process, although the mortgage or deed of trust might demand this.
If the mortgage or deed of trust allows, the borrower can stop the foreclosure by paying off the default amount plus applicable costs, but Georgia state law does not automatically give this reinstatement right to the borrower. The borrower can always stop the foreclosure by paying the total loan balance.
