How long does it take for a foreclosure and how soon do you have to leave the property?

Foreclosures in California take a minimum of 4-6 months once the foreclosure process officially starts through the issuance, publication and recording of a Notice of Default. However, lenders often don't start that process until after the borrower is at least three months behind in payments. Once the foreclosure is completed, the foreclosing lender or foreclosure sale purchaser normally will offer the occupant "cash for keys" in which in exchange for vacating the house and leaving it in good and clean condition with 20-45 days, the occupant upon vacating is paid anywhere from $1,000 - $7,500. If the occupants refuse to vacate after the foreclosure sale, the purchaser at the foreclosure sale (whether it's the lender or a third-party purchaser) must initiate an eviction lawsuit. The eviction lawsuit can take 2-4 months to make its way through the system. Once the eviction judgment is obtained, the sheriff posts the property with a five-day notice to vacate. If the occupants are still there at the end of that five-day period, the sheriff physically removes them from the property.