A paper taped to your door is usually one of four things: court papers being served, a notice that a sale has been scheduled, a note from your lender's inspector checking whether the house is lived in, or a flyer from someone who wants to buy it. Read who it is from and whether it names a court and a case number. That tells you which one you have.
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Finding a notice on your door, where the neighbors can see it, feels awful. It is also the moment a lot of people find out how much help is available. Here is how to read it calmly.
These name a court, a case number, your lender and you. Some states require a notice of a sheriff's sale to be posted on the property itself. In Pennsylvania, for example, the sheriff must post a handbill on the property at least 30 days before a sheriff's sale (Pa.R.C.P. 3129.2). If yours names a sale date, that is your key deadline. Read our guide to a letter from the sheriff for what each paper means.
When a loan falls behind, the company that services it often sends someone to check whether the house is occupied. They may leave a door hanger asking you to call. It is not a court paper and it does not mean a sale is scheduled. It does mean your lender wants to hear from you, and calling them is usually in your interest.
Foreclosure filings are public records, so buyers and companies send letters and leave flyers. Some are honest offers. Some are made to look official on purpose. A flyer that names no court and no case number, but asks you to call about "your foreclosure," is marketing. You do not have to answer it, and never pay a company an upfront fee promising to "stop" a foreclosure (a licensed attorney you hire is different).
No. A door notice before a sale is usually court papers, a sale notice or a lender inspection. Being made to leave usually comes only after a sale, through a separate legal step.
Foreclosure filings are public, so buyers and companies see them. You do not have to respond, and never pay a company an upfront fee promising to stop a foreclosure (a licensed attorney you hire is different).
It is usually worth calling your lender, using the number on your statement or their official website, so you hear your options directly from them.
Usually yes, until the sale actually happens. If the price covers what you owe, the loan is paid off from the money at closing; if it doesn't, the lender has to approve the sale.
No. Orrindale is free to homeowners and we are not a buyer. If we have local buyers working in your county we will introduce you, you choose who to talk to, and you are never under any obligation. If we do not, we will still point you to free help.
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This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. For your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state or the relevant agency. Orrindale is a matching service, not a law firm, lender, or government program.