Understanding the foreclosure process in Georgia is one of the most important steps you can take if you’re behind on mortgage payments or worried about losing your home in Savannah.
Whether you’re just starting to fall behind or you’ve already received a notice of default, this guide will help you understand your rights, your options, and how to take the next step.
What Is Foreclosure and How Does It Work in Georgia?
Foreclosure Defined
Foreclosure is a legal process that allows a lender or bank to repossess a home when the borrower has stopped making payments on their mortgage. Once the foreclosure process is complete, the property is usually sold at auction, and the homeowner loses all rights to the home.
It’s a stressful and emotional situation — but it’s not the end of the road. Many homeowners in Savannah have been in your shoes and come out the other side. The key is to act early and understand your options.
The 2 Main Types of Foreclosure in Georgia
Foreclosure procedures vary by state. In Georgia, homes may be foreclosed through one of two legal processes: Judicial Foreclosure or Non-Judicial Foreclosure (Power of Sale).
Want help understanding which process applies to you? Call us at (912) 612-4969 or reach out to us online here.
Judicial Foreclosure:
- Your lender files a lawsuit through the court system.
- You’ll be served with a legal notice demanding payment.
- If the mortgage debt is valid, you typically have 30 days to respond and pay the amount owed to avoid foreclosure (extensions may be granted).
- If you don’t pay, the court will issue a judgment and schedule the home for public auction.
- After the auction, the sheriff may serve an eviction notice to vacate the property.
Power of Sale (Non-Judicial Foreclosure):
- This is a faster process that doesn’t involve the courts unless a legal challenge is made.
- Your mortgage agreement typically contains a “power of sale” clause allowing the lender to initiate foreclosure directly.
- You’ll receive a notice of default and then a notice of sale after a specific waiting period.
- A trustee manages the foreclosure and may sell the property at a public auction.
In both types of foreclosure, any party with a legal interest in the property — such as contractors, second mortgage holders, or lien holders — must be notified and has the right to claim proceeds from the foreclosure sale.
What Happens After a Foreclosure Auction in Savannah?
Once your home is sold at auction, the sale proceeds go toward paying off your outstanding mortgage debt. If the home sells for more than you owe, you may receive the remaining balance. However, if it sells for less than what you owe, the lender can seek a deficiency judgment.
A deficiency judgment is a court order requiring you to pay the remaining balance of the loan after the foreclosure sale.
Some states, including parts of Georgia, limit deficiency judgments based on the fair market value of the home at the time of sale. Others allow the full unpaid mortgage balance to be assessed. You can find more info on this topic from Nolo’s state-by-state deficiency judgment guide.
How to Avoid Foreclosure and Protect Your Financial Future
Our #1 piece of advice: don’t wait. As time passes and missed payments add up, your options become more limited. If you’re at risk of foreclosure in Savannah, here’s what to do next:
- Call your lender immediately: Ask about forbearance, repayment plans, or loan modification programs.
- Explore alternatives: You may be eligible for a short sale, deed in lieu, or refinance depending on your loan type and financial situation.
- Work with a local expert: At Birddog Investment Group, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners in Savannah, Georgia sell their homes quickly and avoid foreclosure altogether.
Need to Sell Your Savannah House to Avoid Foreclosure?
If you’re looking for a fast and reliable solution, we buy houses in Savannah and across Georgia. Our team specializes in helping homeowners just like you sell quickly — with no agents, no fees, and no repairs needed.
Whether you’re just starting the foreclosure process or your auction date is already set, we may be able to help you stop the foreclosure and move on with a fresh start. We work directly with banks and mortgage lenders to negotiate discounted payoffs, settle outstanding balances, and (in many cases) help you walk away with cash in hand.
Call us anytime at (912) 612-4969 or fill out the form on this website today >>
More Foreclosure Help and Resources for Savannah Homeowners
For additional information on how to avoid foreclosure, we recommend visiting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s resource page:
We’re here to help you understand your options, protect your credit, and avoid the long-term consequences of foreclosure. Reach out to us anytime — no pressure, just honest answers.