Quick Answers
- Is Maine a judicial foreclosure state?
- Yes. A lender must file a civil action in Maine Superior Court or District Court to foreclose a mortgage.
- Can a homeowner sell during foreclosure?
- Generally yes, any time before the 90-day redemption period ends or the property is sold at a public sale.
- Can I request mediation?
- If the home is your primary residence, you can request mediation through Maine’s Foreclosure Diversion Program within 20 days of being served.
- How long can the process take?
- Often several months to over a year, including the mandatory 90-day redemption period after judgment.
How Foreclosure Works in Maine
Maine is a judicial foreclosure state, which means a lender cannot take a home through foreclosure without filing a civil action in Maine Superior Court or District Court and obtaining a judgment from a judge. Foreclosure cases are governed primarily by 14 M.R.S. §6321 and related sections, which set out the required notices, filings, and court procedures.
If the home is your primary, owner-occupied residence, you have the right to request mediation through the state’s Foreclosure Diversion Program, a court-run process that brings you and the lender together with a neutral mediator to discuss options like a loan modification, repayment plan, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or short sale. You generally must request mediation within 20 days of receiving the court papers, though a late request may still be considered. Since the program began in 2010, roughly 60% of mediated cases have ended without a completed foreclosure.
If the case proceeds to judgment, Maine law provides a 90-day period of redemption starting from the date judgment is entered (unless an appeal is filed), during which you can pay off the debt in full and keep the home. If the property isn’t redeemed within that 90-day window, the lender can proceed to a public sale, generally scheduled a few months later once notice requirements are met. As long as the redemption period hasn’t expired or the sale hasn’t taken place, you can generally still sell the property on your own terms, with the mortgage payoff settled from the sale proceeds at closing.
Selling Before Foreclosure Is Finalized
You control the timeline, can sell as-is without repairs, may walk away with cash after the mortgage is paid off, and avoid the property going to a public sale.
Waiting Until Foreclosure Is Finalized
The property is sold at a public sale, and the lender may pursue a deficiency judgment if proceeds don’t cover the full debt. Either way, you lose the ability to negotiate terms or control the outcome.
Timeline
Maine Foreclosure Timeline
A general outline of how a judicial foreclosure case moves through Maine Superior or District Court.
Complaint Filed and Served
The lender files a foreclosure complaint in Superior or District Court and you are formally served with the court papers.
Mediation Request Window
If the property is your primary residence, you generally have 20 days to request mediation through the Foreclosure Diversion Program.
Informational Session and Mediation
If mediation is requested, you attend an informational session, then one or more mediation sessions with the lender and a neutral mediator.
Judgment Entered
If the case isn’t resolved, the court enters judgment for the lender and a 90-day period of redemption begins.
Redemption Period or Public Sale
You can redeem the property by paying what’s owed within 90 days of judgment. If not redeemed, the lender can proceed to a public sale.
Why Maine Homeowners in Foreclosure Choose to Sell
Selling before the foreclosure is finalized lets you pay off the mortgage, avoid a public sale becoming part of the property’s record, and move forward without the uncertainty of a court-ordered outcome. It also means you control the closing date, can sell the property as-is, and avoid the possibility of a deficiency judgment if a public sale doesn’t cover the full debt.
Already have a redemption deadline or sale date scheduled? Time may be limited. Review your court notices carefully and speak with a qualified Maine attorney immediately.
How We Can Help
A Simpler Way Forward
We buy houses facing foreclosure as-is, anywhere in Maine. Here’s what that looks like.
Sell As-Is
No repairs, cleanup, or updates needed — we buy the property in its current condition.
No Commissions or Fees
There’s no realtor commission and no closing costs deducted from your side of the deal.
Flexible Closing Date
We can work around your redemption deadline or sale date and close on a timeline that fits your situation.
Help Reviewing Your Situation
We’ll walk through your timeline and options with you, at no cost and with no pressure.
No Obligation to Accept
Get a free cash offer and decide what’s right for you — there’s never any pressure to accept.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about Maine foreclosure and selling your house.
Does foreclosure happen without going to court in Maine?
No. Maine only allows judicial foreclosure, meaning the lender must sue in Maine Superior Court or District Court and obtain a judgment before the case can move to the redemption period or a public sale.
What is the Foreclosure Diversion Program?
It’s a court-run mediation program for homeowners whose foreclosed property is their primary, owner-occupied residence. You can request it within 20 days of being served, and it brings you and the lender together with a neutral mediator to discuss possible alternatives to foreclosure.
Can I still pay off my default and stop the foreclosure?
Yes, generally. You can typically cure a default and stop the case by paying what is owed, plus reasonable fees and costs, at various points in the process, and you have a 90-day redemption period after judgment to pay off the full debt and keep the home.
Can I sell my house while it is in foreclosure in Maine?
Yes, as long as the redemption period has not expired or a public sale has not yet occurred. The mortgage payoff is settled from the sale proceeds at closing.
How long does a Maine foreclosure take?
Timelines vary depending on court schedules and whether mediation is requested, but cases often take several months to over a year from filing through the 90-day redemption period and eventual sale.
What happens at the end of a Maine foreclosure?
If the 90-day redemption period passes without the debt being paid off, the lender can proceed to a public sale of the property, generally scheduled a few months after judgment once notice requirements are met.
Will I owe money after foreclosure (deficiency judgment)?
Possibly. If the sale proceeds don’t cover the full debt, the lender may be able to seek a deficiency judgment for the remaining balance. A Maine-licensed attorney can advise on how this applies to your situation.
Is there help available for Maine homeowners facing foreclosure?
Yes. In addition to the Foreclosure Diversion Program, homeowners can speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor at no cost for guidance on options like loan modification or repayment plans.
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This page provides general information about the Maine foreclosure process and is not legal advice. Foreclosure laws and procedures can change, and every case is different. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a Maine-licensed attorney.
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