How to Stop a Foreclosure in Massachusetts
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Massachusetts · Last updated 2026-08-31
Foreclosure is the process a lender uses to take and sell your home after you fall behind on the mortgage, and stopping it means curing the default or resolving the debt before the sale. Massachusetts allows several methods, but the predominant residential route is a non-judicial power-of-sale foreclosure: a mortgagee holding a power of sale may, upon breach of condition and without a court action, perform the acts the power of sale authorizes (G.L. c. 244, sec. 14). Before accelerating the loan, the mortgagee must give a written 90-day right-to-cure notice (G.L. c. 244, sec. 35A), and the borrower may cure the default by full payment of the overdue amounts, a right granted once in any five-year period. To sell, the mortgagee must publish notice once in each of three successive weeks, the first publication at least 21 days before the sale, and mail notice to the owner at least 14 days before (sec. 14). There is no post-sale statutory redemption after a power-of-sale sale, which conveys title; the separate method of foreclosure by entry carries a three-year redemption (sec. 1). A deficiency is allowed, but the mortgagee must mail a notice of intent to foreclose by registered mail at least 21 days before the sale to preserve it (sec. 17B).
Find out where you stand in Massachusetts
Where are you in the foreclosure process?
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How do I stop a foreclosure in Massachusetts?
Most Massachusetts foreclosures are non-judicial power-of-sale (G.L. c. 244, sec. 14). You can stop the process by curing the default during the 90-day right-to-cure period (sec. 35A), reinstating, or applying for loss mitigation before the sale. There is no redemption after a power-of-sale sale, so acting before the sale is critical.
What is the foreclosure timeline in Massachusetts?
Before accelerating, the mortgagee must give a 90-day right-to-cure notice (G.L. c. 244, sec. 35A). To sell, it must publish notice once in each of three successive weeks, the first publication at least 21 days before the sale, and mail notice to the owner at least 14 days before the sale date (sec. 14).
Can I reinstate my mortgage to stop foreclosure in Massachusetts?
Yes. Under G.L. c. 244, sec. 35A, a mortgagor of residential real property has a 90-day right to cure a default of a required payment by full payment of the overdue amounts, without acceleration. This right is granted once in any five-year period and, if exercised, stops the foreclosure from proceeding.
Can the lender pursue me for the balance after foreclosure in Massachusetts?
Yes, if it preserved the right. Under G.L. c. 244, sec. 17B, to seek a deficiency the mortgagee must mail written notice of its intention to foreclose by registered mail, return receipt requested, not less than 21 days before the sale. The deficiency is the shortfall between the debt and the sale proceeds.
Massachusetts foreclosure law at a glance
Massachusetts allows several foreclosure methods, but the predominant residential route is non-judicial power of sale: a mortgagee holding a power of sale may, upon breach and without a court action, perform the acts the power authorizes (G.L. c. 244, sec. 14). Before accelerating, the mortgagee must give a written 90-day right-to-cure notice (sec. 35A), and the borrower may cure by full payment of overdue amounts, a right granted once in any five-year period. To sell, the mortgagee must publish notice once in each of three successive weeks, the first at least 21 days before the sale, and mail notice to the owner at least 14 days before (sec. 14). There is no post-sale statutory redemption after a power-of-sale sale, which conveys title; the alternative method of foreclosure by entry carries a three-year redemption (sec. 1). A deficiency is allowed only if the mortgagee mailed a notice of intent to foreclose by registered mail at least 21 days before the sale (sec. 17B).
Curing a Massachusetts default within the 90-day window
Suppose you are behind on a Massachusetts mortgage. Before accelerating, the mortgagee must send you a written 90-day right-to-cure notice (G.L. c. 244, sec. 35A), and you may cure by paying the overdue amounts in full, a right granted once in any five-year period. If you do not cure, the mortgagee may proceed under its power of sale (sec. 14), publishing notice once in each of three successive weeks, the first at least 21 days before the sale, and mailing notice to you at least 14 days before. Because there is no redemption after a power-of-sale sale, curing or reaching a loss-mitigation agreement before the sale is critical. If the mortgagee mailed a notice of intent to foreclose by registered mail at least 21 days before the sale, it may also pursue a deficiency for any shortfall (sec. 17B). Attorney review of your cure or loss-mitigation paperwork is available through DocDraft.
Court Resources
Find a HUD-Approved Housing Counselor (CFPB)
Free tool to locate HUD-approved housing counseling agencies that help Massachusetts homeowners with loss mitigation, loan modification, and lender negotiations at no cost.
Massachusetts Division of Banks
State agency overseeing mortgage lenders and servicers, with consumer resources and foreclosure-prevention information for Massachusetts homeowners.
Massachusetts Court System Self-Help
Official Massachusetts courts resources for self-represented litigants, useful for understanding foreclosure and related court matters.
MassLegalHelp
Statewide legal-aid information site with foreclosure and housing resources and referrals to free legal help for income-qualified Massachusetts residents.
Relevant Laws
G.L. c. 244, sec. 14 (Power of sale; notice of sale)
Lets a mortgagee holding a power of sale foreclose upon breach and without a court action. To sell, it must publish notice once in each of three successive weeks, the first at least 21 days before the sale, and mail notice to the owner at least 14 days before the sale date.
G.L. c. 244, sec. 35A (90-day right to cure)
Requires the mortgagee to give a written 90-day right-to-cure notice before accelerating the unpaid balance. The mortgagor of residential real property may cure a payment default by full payment of the overdue amounts, a right granted once in any five-year period.
G.L. c. 244, sec. 1 (Foreclosure by entry; three-year redemption)
Provides the alternative method of foreclosure by entry. Peaceable possession continued for three years from recording the memorandum or certificate forecloses the right of redemption, giving this route a three-year redemption period.
G.L. c. 244, sec. 17B (Deficiency; notice requirement)
Conditions a deficiency action on notice: the mortgagee must mail written notice of its intention to foreclose by registered mail, return receipt requested, not less than 21 days before the sale in order to preserve a deficiency claim.
Regional Variances
Massachusetts foreclosure rules vs national norms
Process type
Predominantly non-judicial power of sale. A mortgagee holding a power of sale may foreclose upon breach and without a court action (G.L. c. 244, sec. 14). Massachusetts also allows foreclosure by entry and judicial foreclosure.
Notice and cure timeline
A 90-day right-to-cure notice is required before acceleration (sec. 35A). To sell, notice is published once in each of three successive weeks, the first at least 21 days before the sale, and mailed to the owner at least 14 days before (sec. 14).
Reinstatement right
Strong. The mortgagor has a 90-day right to cure a payment default by full payment of overdue amounts (sec. 35A), granted once in any five-year period. Exercising it stops the foreclosure.
Redemption after sale
None after a power-of-sale sale, which conveys title and extinguishes the equity of redemption (sec. 14). The alternative foreclosure by entry carries a three-year redemption period (sec. 1).
Deficiency judgment
Allowed, but conditioned on notice: the mortgagee must mail a notice of intent to foreclose by registered mail at least 21 days before the sale to preserve a deficiency action (sec. 17B).
Power-of-sale foreclosure vs foreclosure by entry in Massachusetts
Power-of-sale foreclosure (the common path)
Conducted out of court under the mortgage's power of sale (G.L. c. 244, sec. 14), after a 90-day cure notice and the required publication and mailing. The sale conveys title with no post-sale redemption, so the pre-sale period is the borrower's main window to act.
Foreclosure by entry (the redemption path)
The mortgagee takes and records peaceable possession, and if that possession continues for three years, the right of redemption is foreclosed (sec. 1). Unlike the power-of-sale route, this method carries a three-year redemption period during which the borrower may still redeem.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Confirm the foreclosure method used against you
As soon as you fall behind or receive any notice days after startingMost Massachusetts foreclosures are non-judicial power-of-sale (G.L. c. 244, sec. 14), which conveys title with no redemption. The alternative foreclosure by entry carries a three-year redemption (sec. 1). Identify which method you face, because it determines whether any redemption is available.
Read the 90-day right-to-cure notice and calendar the deadline
Immediately upon receiving the 90-day notice days after startingUnder G.L. c. 244, sec. 35A, the mortgagee must give a 90-day right-to-cure notice before accelerating. Note the date of the notice, calendar the end of the 90 days, and confirm the exact overdue amount needed to cure. This cure right is available once in any five-year period.
Cure the default or reinstate before the deadline
Within the 90-day cure period days after startingPay the overdue amounts in full within the 90-day window under G.L. c. 244, sec. 35A to stop the foreclosure. Request a written cure figure from the servicer and keep proof of payment. Attorney review of your reinstatement paperwork is available through DocDraft.
Apply for loss mitigation or a loan modification
During the cure period, the earlier the better days after startingAsk your servicer about a loan modification, forbearance, repayment plan, short sale, or deed in lieu, supported by a hardship letter and financial documents. Approval can stop the power-of-sale process. Attorney review of your loss-mitigation package is available through DocDraft.
Track the sale notice publication and mailing dates
As soon as the sale notice appears days after startingUnder G.L. c. 244, sec. 14, the sale notice is published once in each of three successive weeks, the first at least 21 days before the sale, and mailed to the owner at least 14 days before. Confirm these dates so you know exactly how long you have to act before the sale.
Consult a HUD-approved housing counselor
As early as possible in the process days after startingHUD-approved housing counseling agencies help Massachusetts homeowners weigh cure, modification, and other options at no cost. Use the CFPB counselor finder to locate one. Because there is no redemption after a power-of-sale sale, a counselor can help you prioritize pre-sale steps.
Keep written records of every notice, payment, and communication
Throughout the process days after startingSave the 90-day cure notice, the published and mailed sale notices, any registered-mail notice of intent to foreclose, cure figures, and all servicer correspondence with dates. These records fix your deadlines under G.L. c. 244 and document any defect. Attorney review of your file is available through DocDraft.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirm the foreclosure method used against you | Most Massachusetts foreclosures are non-judicial power-of-sale (G.L. c. 244, sec. 14), which conveys title with no redemption. The alternative foreclosure by entry carries a three-year redemption (sec. 1). Identify which method you face, because it determines whether any redemption is available. | - | As soon as you fall behind or receive any notice |
| Read the 90-day right-to-cure notice and calendar the deadline | Under G.L. c. 244, sec. 35A, the mortgagee must give a 90-day right-to-cure notice before accelerating. Note the date of the notice, calendar the end of the 90 days, and confirm the exact overdue amount needed to cure. This cure right is available once in any five-year period. | - | Immediately upon receiving the 90-day notice |
| Cure the default or reinstate before the deadline | Pay the overdue amounts in full within the 90-day window under G.L. c. 244, sec. 35A to stop the foreclosure. Request a written cure figure from the servicer and keep proof of payment. Attorney review of your reinstatement paperwork is available through DocDraft. | - | Within the 90-day cure period |
| Apply for loss mitigation or a loan modification | Ask your servicer about a loan modification, forbearance, repayment plan, short sale, or deed in lieu, supported by a hardship letter and financial documents. Approval can stop the power-of-sale process. Attorney review of your loss-mitigation package is available through DocDraft. | - | During the cure period, the earlier the better |
| Track the sale notice publication and mailing dates | Under G.L. c. 244, sec. 14, the sale notice is published once in each of three successive weeks, the first at least 21 days before the sale, and mailed to the owner at least 14 days before. Confirm these dates so you know exactly how long you have to act before the sale. | - | As soon as the sale notice appears |
| Consult a HUD-approved housing counselor | HUD-approved housing counseling agencies help Massachusetts homeowners weigh cure, modification, and other options at no cost. Use the CFPB counselor finder to locate one. Because there is no redemption after a power-of-sale sale, a counselor can help you prioritize pre-sale steps. | - | As early as possible in the process |
| Keep written records of every notice, payment, and communication | Save the 90-day cure notice, the published and mailed sale notices, any registered-mail notice of intent to foreclose, cure figures, and all servicer correspondence with dates. These records fix your deadlines under G.L. c. 244 and document any defect. Attorney review of your file is available through DocDraft. | - | Throughout the process |
Frequently Asked Questions
Foreclosure is the process a mortgage lender uses to take and sell your home when you fall behind on the loan. In Massachusetts the predominant method is non-judicial power of sale: a mortgagee holding a power of sale may, upon breach and without a court action, perform the acts the power authorizes to sell it (G.L. c. 244, sec. 14).
Non-judicial power-of-sale foreclosure, the common route, lets the mortgagee sell the property out of court under the mortgage's power of sale (G.L. c. 244, sec. 14). Massachusetts also allows foreclosure by entry and judicial foreclosure, but power of sale is standard. Foreclosure by entry, unlike the power-of-sale route, carries a three-year redemption period (sec. 1).
Before accelerating, the mortgagee must give a 90-day right-to-cure notice (G.L. c. 244, sec. 35A). To sell, it must publish notice once in each of three successive weeks, the first at least 21 days before the sale, and mail notice to the owner at least 14 days before the sale date (sec. 14).
Yes. Under G.L. c. 244, sec. 35A, a mortgagor of residential real property has a 90-day right to cure a payment default by paying the overdue amounts in full, without acceleration. This right is granted once in any five-year period, and exercising it stops the foreclosure from moving forward.
Not after a power-of-sale sale. The sale under G.L. c. 244, sec. 14 conveys title and extinguishes the equity of redemption, so there is no post-sale statutory redemption. The separate method of foreclosure by entry carries a three-year redemption period if peaceable possession continues that long (sec. 1).
Yes, if it preserved the right. Under G.L. c. 244, sec. 17B, the mortgagee must mail written notice of its intention to foreclose by registered mail, return receipt requested, not less than 21 days before the sale to preserve a deficiency action. The deficiency is the shortfall between the debt and the sale proceeds.
Foreclosure by entry is an alternative method where the mortgagee takes peaceable possession of the property and records a certificate. Under G.L. c. 244, sec. 1, if that possession continues peaceably for three years, the right of redemption is foreclosed. Unlike a power-of-sale sale, it carries a three-year redemption window.
Massachusetts homeowners can get free help from HUD-approved housing counselors, who assist with loss mitigation and lender negotiations at no cost. MassLegalHelp connects income-qualified residents to legal aid, and the Division of Banks offers consumer resources. Acting during the 90-day cure period under G.L. c. 244, sec. 35A gives you the most options.
Other Massachusetts guides
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