Notice of Default
A Notice of Default (NOD) is the first official step in California's non-judicial foreclosure process — a recorded notice stating the borrower has fallen behind, starting a statutory countdown before a trustee's sale can be scheduled.
The NOD is recorded after the borrower falls a set number of payments behind, and after required pre-foreclosure contact under Civil Code Section 2923.5. It starts a minimum 90-day period before a Notice of Trustee's Sale can be recorded.
The NOD is public record, which is why homeowners in default often start receiving investor mail and calls almost immediately after it's filed. Recording it doesn't mean the home is lost, but it does start the statutory clock.
An NOD still leaves meaningful time to sell, reinstate, or modify the loan before a trustee's sale is even scheduled. The earlier a homeowner acts after receiving one, the more options — including a fast cash sale that preserves remaining equity — stay realistic.
Need Personalized Help?
Every situation is different. Get a free, no-obligation consultation and cash offer for your specific property.