Trustee's sale

The auction at the end of a non-judicial foreclosure, run by the trustee named in the deed of trust. Same idea as a sheriff's sale, different process.

Foreclosure & distressed · Updated September 2026

In a room, this word explains itself where it appears.

Every term like this one lights up in the step you're on.

Free to set up. No credit card.

Part 1 of 4

Why a seller cares

The trustee's sale is the auction at the end of a non-judicial foreclosure, run by the trustee named in the deed of trust. It is the fast version of the sheriff's sale, and it is the date on the last notice.

Part 2 of 4

A simple example

Ninety days after the notice, the trustee auctions the home on the courthouse steps at 10 a.m. The lender credit-bids the balance and takes it back as REO.

Trustee's sale: a simple example
What happensWhat follows
The lender's credit bid winsThe home becomes REO
A cash bidder winsA trustee's deed; the former owner is out unless the state allows redemption
The sale is postponedCommon; it is announced at the sale and reset to a later date

The trustee's sale is a deed-of-trust state's auction, with the trustee as auctioneer.

Part 3 of 4

What people get wrong

That the trustee works for the borrower. The trustee is neutral in name and the lender's instrument in practice.

Part 4 of 4 · where to read next

Where it appears in the sale

What a definition is, and what it isn't

Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.

Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish

Was this clear?

One piece of your sale. Here is where all the pieces live.

In your room, this word explains itself where it appears.

Keighbor keeps your whole home sale in one place and defines every term like this one right where you meet it, in the step you're on. Free to set up, with or without an agent.

Set up my roomFree to start. No credit card.