What Is a Lis Pendens and Why It Matters?

What Is a Lis Pendens and Why It Matters

What Is a Lis Pendens?

A “Lis Pendens” is Latin for “suit pending.” In foreclosure, it’s the legal filing that signals your lender has started the process to take back your home.

On Long Island, it’s often the first public record of foreclosure — and it’s your first red flag to act.

How It Affects You?

Your home becomes part of a court case.
It appears on your title record, which can make it hard to refinance or sell through traditional methods.
The clock starts ticking toward judgment and auction.

What to Do If You’ve Received One

Don’t ignore it. It’s not a scare tactic — it’s real and time-sensitive.
Contact your lender or a housing counselor immediately.
Explore foreclosure alternatives like reinstatement, short sale, or a fast as-is sale.

What If You Wait Too Long?

We’ve seen homes sold at auction just months after the Lis Pendens was filed. That’s why our message is always: act early. The sooner you do, the more options you have.