Massachusetts Foreclosure Law Summary
Stop Massachusetts Foreclosure
Quick Facts
- Judicial Foreclosure Available: Yes
- Non-Judicial Foreclosure Available: Yes
- Primary Security Instruments: Deed of Trust, Mortgage
- Timeline: Typically 90 days
- Right of Redemption: No
- Deficiency Judgments Allowed: No
In Massachusetts, lenders may foreclose on deeds of trusts or
mortgages in default using either an entry by possession or non-judicial foreclosure
process.
Foreclosure by Possession
After the borrower defaults on the mortgage, the lender may recover
possession of the property by: 1) obtaining a court order; 2) entering the property
peaceably; and 3) by proper consent of the buyer. If the lender maintains possession
peaceably for three years from the date of possession, the borrower loses all rights
of redemption.
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 recorded in the county where the property
is located. The notice must also: 1) be sent, by registered mail, to the borrower
at his last known address at least fourteen (14) days prior to the foreclosure sale;
2) published once a week for three (3) weeks, with the first publication being at
least twenty one (21) days before the sale, in a newspaper of general circulation
within the county where the property is located.
Said notice must contain the place, time and date of the foreclosure
hearing, the date the mortgage was recorded, the borrowers name, the amount of the
default and the terms of the sale.
The sale must be conducted at public auction on the date, time
and place specified in the notice of sale. The property will be sold to the highest
bidder.
The borrower has no rights of redemption.
More information
on Massachusetts foreclosure laws.
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