Facing Foreclosure in Milwaukie, Oregon? Here Are Your Options

Getting that first foreclosure notice is terrifying. I get it. But if you’re a homeowner in Milwaukie, Oregon who’s fallen behind on mortgage payments, you need to know: you still have options.

The worst thing you can do is nothing. The sooner you act, the more choices you have.

How Foreclosure Works in Oregon

Oregon is a non-judicial foreclosure state, which means your lender can foreclose without going through the courts. The typical timeline looks like this:

1. Missed payments — After 3-6 months of missed payments, your lender will start the process
2. Notice of Default — You’ll receive a formal notice that you’re in default
3. 120-day waiting period — Oregon law requires at least 120 days before a foreclosure sale
4. Trustee’s Sale — Your home is sold at auction on the courthouse steps

The whole process can take as little as 6 months from your first missed payment. But here’s the key: you can stop it at any point before the sale.

Your Options to Avoid Foreclosure

Talk to Your Lender

This should be your first call. Many lenders offer:

• Loan modification — restructure your loan to lower payments
• Forbearance — temporarily reduce or pause payments
• Repayment plan — spread the missed payments over time

Lenders don’t want your house. They want their money. Many will work with you if you reach out early.

Sell Your House Before the Sale

This is where I come in. If you sell your house before the foreclosure sale, you can:

• Pay off your mortgage with the sale proceeds
• Protect your credit — a regular sale looks much better than a foreclosure
• Walk away with cash if you have equity in your home
• Avoid the stress of a public auction

The challenge with listing on the market is time — you might not have 3-6 months to wait for a traditional buyer. That’s why selling to a cash buyer can be a lifeline. I can close in as little as 7 days.

Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure

If you owe more than your house is worth, you can sometimes negotiate a “deed in lieu” — you give the house to the lender and they forgive the remaining debt. It still hurts your credit, but not as badly as a full foreclosure.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Every week you wait, your options shrink. If you’re behind on payments on your Milwaukie home, the best time to act is right now.

I’m Brett, and I help Milwaukie homeowners in tough situations find a way out. I’m not here to lowball you or pressure you. I’m here to give you a fair offer and an honest conversation about what makes sense for your situation.

Let’s talk about your options →