Missouri Foreclosure Law Summary
Stop Missouri Foreclosure
Quick Facts
- Judicial Foreclosure Available: Yes
- Non-Judicial Foreclosure Available: Yes
- Primary Security Instruments: Deed of Trust, Mortgage
- Timeline: Typically 60 days
- Right of Redemption: Yes
- Deficiency Judgments Allowed: No
In Missouri, lenders may foreclose on deeds of trusts or mortgages
in default using either a judicial or non-judicial foreclosure process.
Judicial Foreclosure
The judicial process of foreclosure, which involves filing a lawsuit
to obtain a court order to foreclose, is used when no power of sale is present in
the mortgage or deed of trust. Generally, after the court declares a foreclosure,
your home will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Non-Judicial Foreclosure
The non-judicial process of foreclosure is used when a power of
sale clause exists in a mortgage or deed of trust. A "power of sale" clause is the
clause in a deed of trust or mortgage, in which the borrower pre-authorizes the
sale of property to pay off the balance on a loan in the event of the their default.
In deeds of trust or mortgages where a power of sale exists, the power given to
the lender to sell the property may be executed by the lender or their representative,
typically referred to as the trustee. Regulations for this type of foreclosure process
are outlined below in the "Power of Sale Foreclosure Guidelines".
Power of Sale Foreclosure Guidelines
If the deed of trust or mortgage contains a power of sale clause
and specifies the time, place and terms of sale, then the specified procedure must
be followed. Otherwise, the foreclosure may proceed as follows:
- A notice of sale must be mailed the borrower, at his last
known address, at least twenty (20) days prior to the scheduled day of sale.
The notice of sale must also be published in a newspaper within the county.
- The sale is conducted by the trustee at public auction for
cash to the highest bidder. Anyone may bid, including the lender. If the lender
is the winning bidder, the borrower has one year (12 months) to redeem the property.
More information
on Missouri foreclosure laws.
|