Foreclosure Sale – How Long Do I Have To Move

How much time do I have to move after my home has been sold at a foreclosure sale?

After a foreclosure sale there’s a 10 day upset bid period before the sale becomes final. After that time period has passed and there have been no upset bids, the sale becomes final. At that point the third party buyer, the lender or the foreclosure trustee who purchases the property or represents the purchaser of the property at the sale will then send you a letter via certified mail. This letter will state that you have 10 days to voluntarily vacate the home.

Once the ten day period has expired the third party buyer or lender will apply to the Clerk of Superior Court for an Order for Possession. If the Clerk allows the Order for Possession that order will direct the sheriff to remove all occupants and their personal property from the premises within 7 days of receipt.

Therefore, you really don’t have much time for the foreclosure sale. This eviction process is much shorter than your typical landlord-tenant eviction. If you need a week or two to transition to another home or apartment you need to contact the trustee or the buyer and explain your situation. Most often they’ll give you a limited time to move you and your possessions from the residence. If you do not make the effort to contact them, they’ll move the application for an Order for Possession along as swiftly as possible.