Facing foreclosure in St. Louis?

Missouri is a non-judicial foreclosure state — the lender doesn’t need court approval. The process from first missed payment to foreclosure sale typically spans 4–6 months. Federal law prevents your lender from starting foreclosure until you’re 120+ days past due.

Days 1–120: Federal protection period — lender must contact you by phone within 36 days and send written loss mitigation notice within 45 days. After day 120: formal foreclosure can begin. Notice of sale is published 20+ days before the sale and mailed via registered mail 60 days before. Trustee’s sale happens at the county courthouse. If the lender purchases, you have 365 days to redeem.

Right to Cure: 20-day period for payment defaults (30 days for second mortgages) after Notice of Default. Right of Reinstatement: most deeds of trust allow reinstatement up to 5 days before the sale by paying all arrears plus costs. Right of Redemption: one year after sale if the lender purchased (not available if a third party buys).

This is a formal filing at the county recorder that designates a new trustee to handle the foreclosure. It’s typically recorded before the notice of sale is published. If you see this filing on your property, it’s a signal that the foreclosure process is being prepared — but you still have time to act.

You have several options depending on your situation: loan modification (adjust your loan terms), forbearance (temporary payment relief), repayment plan (catch up over time), short sale (sell for less than you owe with lender approval), cash sale (sell quickly and walk away with equity), subject-to (creative deal structure), or bankruptcy (automatic stay halts proceedings). Visit our Options page for details on each path.

Both jurisdictions follow the same non-judicial foreclosure process under Missouri state law. In 2012, St. Louis County attempted to require mediation before foreclosure, but the Missouri Supreme Court struck down the ordinance. There are no local ordinance differences between the two.

Red flags: anyone demanding upfront fees before doing any work, pressure to transfer your deed, promises to “stop” your foreclosure guaranteed, difficulty reaching the person after you pay, and complicated paperwork they want you to sign quickly. Missouri law regulates foreclosure consultants and gives you a right to cancel. Always work with HUD-approved counselors — they’re free.

Yes — filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that immediately halts foreclosure proceedings. Chapter 7 provides a temporary stay (3–4 months) but doesn’t address mortgage arrears. Chapter 13 is the path to keep your home — it creates a 3–5 year repayment plan that includes your missed payments. You need regular income to qualify for Chapter 13.