Debt Management

How Many Missed Mortgage Payments Before Foreclosure?

Missing three mortgage payments can trigger foreclosure, but timelines and rules vary by lender and state.
How Many Missed Mortgage Payments Before Foreclosure?
A 'Bank Foreclosure Sale' sign is posted in front of townhomes in Los Angeles, Calif. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Anne Johnson
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The number of Americans not able to keep up with mortgage payments is growing. According to Realtor.com, in July 2025, foreclosures were up 13 percent over July 2024. This equaled 36,130 properties hit with a foreclosure filing.
Financial institutions typically give you ample warnings before foreclosing. But how much is enough time? There’s a time frame that allows homeowners to reorganize, but, ultimately, how many payments can you miss before the bank forecloses?

Grace Period for Late Payment

According to Rocket Mortgage, a grace period is between the date your mortgage payment is due and the date you will incur a late fee.
Anne Johnson
Anne Johnson
Author
Anne Johnson was a commercial property and casualty insurance agent for nine years. She was also licensed in health and life insurance. She went on to own an advertising agency, where she worked with businesses. She has been writing about personal finance for 10 years.