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Illinois · What this letter means

Illinois foreclosure letters and notices

The papers Illinois homeowners receive, in the order they usually arrive. Each page uses the name on the Illinois document, explains the deadline it starts under Illinois law, and lists what to do this week.

  1. Step 1

    Summons and Complaint to Foreclose Mortgage, with the Homeowner Notice (Important Information for Homeowners in Foreclosure)

    In Illinois, every home foreclosure is a lawsuit, and the summons is how it starts for you. You have 30 days after you are served to file an Appearance and Answer, and 90 days to catch up the loan. You still own your home and can keep living there.

    What it means
  2. Step 2

    Notice of Entry of Default and Judgment of Foreclosure

    This notice from the circuit clerk means the judge entered an order of default and a judgment of foreclosure because you did not respond in time. The home has not been sold yet. You may be able to ask the judge to undo the default, and your redemption rights continue until the date in the judgment.

    What it means
  3. Step 3

    Notice of Sale (judicial sale)

    An Illinois notice of sale gives the date, time and place of the court-ordered sale of your home. It can be published while you still have time to redeem. The sale is not final until a judge confirms it, and you may still be able to stop or delay it.

    What it means
  4. Step 4

    Notice of the motion to confirm the sale, and the order confirming the sale

    In Illinois the sale is not final on auction day. The buyer or lender must ask the judge to confirm it, and you must be mailed notice. This hearing is your chance to object. If the judge confirms, the buyer can take possession 30 days later.

    What it means
  5. Step 5

    Special Notice of Surplus Funds

    If your Illinois foreclosure sale brought in more than the judgment, the extra money may belong to you. This notice tells you the amount and includes a petition form. You claim it by asking the judge in your foreclosure case. You do not need to pay a company to do it.

    What it means
  6. Step 6

    Notice to known occupants that control of the property has changed

    After an Illinois foreclosure sale is confirmed, the new owner must tell the people living in the building who now controls it. The notice must say it is NOT a notice to vacate. If you rent, you may have the right to stay for a time, and you cannot be removed without a court order naming you.

    What it means

Got a letter not listed here? See every foreclosure letter explained, or how foreclosure works in Illinois.