How long does foreclosure take in Colorado?

The foreclosure timeline in Colorado, phase by phase

1. Before foreclosure starts

   Day 1 to about day 120

   Federal rules generally keep the servicer from starting until you are more than 120 days behind. During this time Colorado requires the hotline notice, mailed at least 30 days after default and at least 30 days before filing.

   C.R.S. § 38-38-102.5

2. Notice of election and demand recorded

   Day 0 of the Colorado clock

   The lender files with the public trustee and the notice is recorded. Every later date is counted from this recording or back from the sale date.

   C.R.S. § 38-38-108

3. First combined notice

   Within 20 calendar days after recording

   The public trustee mails you the combined notice with the sale date. If you have not yet applied to your servicer for help, do it now so your application is complete well before the sale.

   C.R.S. § 38-38-103(1)(a)

4. Rule 120 court step

   Between recording and the sale

   The hearing notice must be posted at least 14 days before the hearing, and your response is due at least 7 days before it. The court step runs inside the 110 to 125 days and usually does not add time unless the judge sets a new hearing date.

   C.R.S. § 38-38-105

5. Second notice and publication

   45 to 60 calendar days before the first sale date

   The public trustee mails the combined notice again and begins five weeks of newspaper publication.

   C.R.S. § 38-38-103

6. Cure and loss mitigation cutoffs

   15 and 14 calendar days before the sale

   A notice of intent to cure must be filed at least 15 calendar days before the sale. Written proof of a complete loss mitigation application must reach the public trustee no later than 14 calendar days before the sale.

   C.R.S. §§ 38-38-104, 38-38-103.2

7. First sale date and continuances

   110 to 125 calendar days after recording, or later if continued

   The sale can be continued week to week or to a set date, at the lender's written request or for good cause. It cannot be continued more than 12 months past the first sale date, apart from time added by a bankruptcy or by a loss mitigation inquiry.

   C.R.S. §§ 38-38-108, 38-38-109

Colorado deadlines written into the law

Your own dates are on the notices you received. If a notice and this page disagree, trust the notice and ask a counselor or lawyer.

Common questions in Colorado