Colorado homeowner guide

Colorado Foreclosure Timeline, Step by Step

By Jeff Phillips, Vindicator Solutions · Updated October 2026

Colorado forecloses most homes through the county Public Trustee, not a full lawsuit. That makes the process faster than in many states — so it helps to know exactly where you are on the clock.

Step 1 — Missed payments

Your servicer sends late notices and calls. Under federal rules, a servicer generally can’t make the first foreclosure filing until your loan is more than 120 days behind, and it must give you a chance to apply for help (loss mitigation). This is the easiest time to fix things.

Step 2 — Notice of Election and Demand is recorded

The lender files a Notice of Election and Demand — often called a Notice of Default — with your county’s Public Trustee. It becomes public record and the foreclosure officially starts. What the notice means →

Step 3 — Sale date and notices

The Public Trustee sets the sale 110 to 125 days after recording (215 to 230 days for agricultural property), mails you a combined notice of the sale and your right to cure, and publishes the sale in a local newspaper.

Step 4 — Court order (Rule 120)

Before the sale, the lender asks the district court for an order authorizing it. You will be notified and have the right to respond.

Step 5 — Your cure deadlines

To stop the sale by curing, file a Notice of Intent to Cure at least 15 calendar days before the sale, and pay the cure amount by noon the day before the sale.

Step 6 — The Public Trustee sale

If nothing has stopped it, the property is auctioned. The sale can be postponed for reasons allowed by law. If a bidder pays more than what is owed, the extra (the “overbid” or surplus) belongs to the former owner and other lienholders — contact the Public Trustee to claim it.

Where to get help at each step

Free HUD-approved counseling: Colorado Foreclosure Hotline, 1-877-601-4673.
Your county’s Public Trustee for your exact dates.
A real estate attorney for legal questions.
Vindicator Solutions for private-lender options or a sale that protects your equity.

Common questions

How long does foreclosure take in Colorado?

Once the Notice of Election and Demand is recorded, the sale is usually set 110 to 125 days later for a typical home. Including the months of missed payments before that, many foreclosures take six months or more from the first missed payment.

Who runs foreclosure sales in Colorado?

The Public Trustee in the county where the home is located. Each county posts its active foreclosures and sale schedule online.

When is the last day to stop the sale by catching up?

File a Notice of Intent to Cure at least 15 calendar days before the sale, then pay the cure amount by noon the day before the sale.

This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Foreclosure dates and rules can change — confirm your situation with your county Public Trustee, a HUD-approved counselor (1-877-601-4673), or a Colorado attorney.