What happens after a foreclosure sale in Minnesota

What happens after the sale in Minnesota, in order

1. Sheriff's certificate of sale

   Recorded within 20 days of the sale, or 10 days for a five-week redemption

   The certificate lists the price paid, the interest rate and the time allowed to redeem. Ask the sheriff's office for a copy or the sale price, because your redemption amount starts from that price, not from your old loan balance.

   Minn. Stat. § 580.12

2. Redemption period

   6 months in most cases; 12 months or 5 weeks in some

   Redeem by paying the sale price plus interest and allowed costs, such as taxes and insurance the buyer paid. Payment goes to the buyer's normal place of business on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sheriff can accept less if the certificate holder agrees in writing.

   Minn. Stat. §§ 580.23, 582.03

3. Surplus held by the sheriff

   Through the redemption period

   If the sale brought in $100 or more over what was owed, the sheriff keeps it and mails you a notice. During redemption you can ask the sheriff in writing to apply the surplus to your redemption amount.

   Minn. Stat. § 580.10, subds. 1 to 3

4. Selling the home during redemption

   Before the redemption period ends

   You can sell the home if the price pays off the sale buyer with interest and fees and any other claims. You keep anything left over. A short sale with your lender's agreement is another option.

   Minn. Stat. § 580.041, subd. 2a

5. Eviction after redemption ends

   After the move-out date in your notice

   If you have not left, the buyer can file an eviction case. The court date is 7 to 14 days after the summons. If the buyer wins, the judge may delay the order to leave for up to 7 days, and the officer gives you 24 hours once it is served.

   Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.285, 504B.321, 504B.345, 504B.365

6. Deficiency judgment

   Decided after the sale

   The lender cannot get a deficiency judgment after a foreclosure by advertisement with a six-month redemption period, or a five-week period ordered for an abandoned home. In other cases, such as 12-month redemption or farm property, a shortfall claim may be possible.

   Minn. Stat. §§ 580.225, 582.30

7. Junior lienholder redemption

   14 days per creditor after your redemption period, for redemptions after January 1, 2026

   If you do not redeem, a second mortgage holder or other creditor with a lien may redeem in order of priority. That can delay when the buyer gets title, but it does not extend your own right to redeem.

   Minn. Stat. § 580.24

The three questions that matter after a sale

Common questions in Minnesota