The legal process of foreclosure houses begins with a sheriff serving the homeowner with a notice of an intent to foreclose on the home. If the sheriff does not deliver these papers then they will be mailed through certified mail and require a signature. This will ensure the bank knows the homeowner is aware the process has begun. The bank will then begin their process through the court systems to foreclose on the home.

Foreclosure houses are always published in the local newspapers. Once the home owner has been served with the documentation the notification to the public will also be printed in the local papers. If the homeowner has not worked with the lender to make payment or settlement arrangements and the waiting periods and notices have expired then the court will hold a hearing regarding the claim. At this hearing the court will issue an order to allow the lender to foreclose on the home.

Once the hearing has taken place then legal notices of the sale of foreclosure houses is published in the local newspapers. The date of the sale will be posted also. The homeowner still has an opportunity to get caught up and save their home at this stage. If the date of the sale reaches and the homeowner has not reached a settlement then the home will be sold at an auction to the highest bidder.

Foreclosure houses must go through a legal process. This is to ensure the bank is not selling a home without the homeowner knowing.