Introduction

If you’re behind on your mortgage and live on Long Island, you may be wondering how much time you have and what comes next. Understanding the foreclosure timeline is critical — because once deadlines are missed, options narrow quickly.

This guide explains what to expect in New York’s judicial foreclosure process and what homeowners can do before their home is sold at auction.

Step-by-Step: The Foreclosure Process in New York

1. Missed Payments (Day 1–90+)
   After about 90 days of non-payment, lenders typically begin sending default notices. They may also report your delinquency to credit bureaus.
2. Pre-Foreclosure Notice (90+ Days)
   In New York, the lender must send a 90-day pre-foreclosure notice before filing anything in court. It outlines your right to avoid foreclosure.
3. Lis Pendens Filing
   This legal notice signals that a foreclosure lawsuit has been filed. It’s now public record. It doesn’t mean you’ve lost yet, but it’s serious.
4. Summons & Complaint
   This initiates the court case. You typically have 20–30 days to respond.
5. Settlement Conference
   In Suffolk and Nassau Counties, you’re entitled to a mandatory court conference. It’s your chance to apply for a loan modification or settlement.
6. Judgment of Foreclosure
   If no agreement is reached, the court issues a judgment. A public auction is scheduled — often just weeks later.
7. Auction Sale
   Your property is sold to the highest bidder. If it sells for less than your mortgage balance, you may still owe a “deficiency judgment.”