Notice of Default & Notice of Trustee's Sale
The two notices that trigger most foreclosure panic — decoded. What each means in Washington, the deadline it sets, and what to do when it lands in your mailbox.
Notice of Default vs. Notice of Trustee's Sale
These are the two documents that trigger most of the panic — and most of the confusion. Here's what each one actually means in Washington, and what to do when you get it.
Notice of Default (NOD)
This is the early warning. Before recording it, your lender generally has to try to contact you at least 30 days ahead to discuss alternatives (the "meet and confer" requirement, RCW 61.24.031). The NOD tells you how far behind you are and gives you at least 30 days to cure (catch up) before the lender can move toward a sale. Getting an NOD does not mean you're losing the home next week — it means the clock has started and it's time to act.
Notice of Trustee's Sale (NOTS)
This is the serious one: it sets an actual sale date. By law in Washington, the sale can't be held sooner than 120 days after the NOTS is recorded (RCW 61.24.040), and it's recorded with your county and posted/mailed to you. Once you have a NOTS, your key deadlines are: reinstate up to 11 days before the date, and sell any time before the sale itself.
Got a Notice of Trustee's Sale? That's the time to move. Read exactly what to do after a NOTS, or how to stop the sale.
What to do when a notice arrives
- Don't ignore it. The deadlines are real, but so are your options.
- Find the sale date (on the NOTS) and count backward — 11 days for reinstatement, ~90 days for mediation.
- Call a free HUD counselor at 1-800-569-4287, and/or talk to us about selling before the date.
- Decide your path: catch up, sell, or get more time. We can help you weigh all three.
Get your options — free
Tell us about your situation. We'll reach out with your options — including a cash offer if you want one. It's free and there's zero obligation.
Foreclosure notices — FAQ
Does a Notice of Default mean I'm about to lose my house?
No. It's an early-stage notice that starts the clock and gives you at least 30 days to cure. You typically have months before any sale could happen.
How long after a Notice of Trustee's Sale is the auction?
At least 120 days after the notice is recorded, by Washington law. The exact date is printed on the notice.
Can I still sell after I get a Notice of Trustee's Sale?
Yes — your right to sell lasts until the sale itself. A cash sale can often close before the date on the notice.
What if I never got the meet-and-confer contact?
Washington requires the lender to attempt that contact before recording a Notice of Default. If the process wasn't followed, an attorney may be able to help — but don't rely on technical defects; act on your options now.
Got a notice? Let's figure out your move
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