A foreclosure occurs when a lender takes control over a property from a borrower who has failed to make timely payments. A foreclosure can damage your credit score and result in the loss of your home.

Carol M. Kopp edits features on a wide range of subjects for Investopedia, including investing, personal finance, retirement planning, taxes, business management, and career development. Doretha ...

Should you opt for a short sale or a foreclosure? As a homeowner faced with a difficult situation, there are pros and cons to each. Generally, a short sale will work more in your favor. As a homebuyer ...

If you’re looking to profit from real estate, investing in foreclosures is one way to land properties below market prices. However, the rewards of successful investing come with unique risks. The key ...

Foreclosure starts on the rise nationwide Lenders started the foreclosure process on 289,441 U.S. properties in 2025, up 14 percent from 2024, up 213 percent from the pandemic-era low in 2021, but ...