The 2924 Timeline
The borrower's default
Missed payments, matured loan, or senior lien in default.
or desired
Notice of Breach & Acceleration
Sent if the loan documents require it, or as a courtesy lenders often give anyway. Typically a 30-day cure; may be waived.
→ The 2924 Notice Kit for private lendersRecord the Notice of Default
The act that starts the statutory clock.
Notice of Default recorded
The statutory clock begins.
3-month default period ends
Earliest a Notice of Sale may issue.
before sale
Notice of Sale given
At least 20 days before the date set for sale; increased to at least 25 days where a federal tax lien is recorded against the property, so the IRS receives notice.
before sale
Reinstatement window closes
The statutory line. In practice, lenders accept reinstatement later.
earliest
Trustee's sale
The earliest a sale may occur: 3 months + 20 days after the Notice of Default, with no delays.
day of sale
Sale deemed perfected
The sale relates back to 8:00 a.m. on the date of sale, provided the trustee's deed is recorded within 21 calendar days after the sale.
of sale
Record the Trustee's Deed
Recording the trustee's deed within 21 calendar days of the sale preserves the 8:00 a.m. relation-back to the sale date.
Listing-agreement postponement
If, more than 5 business days before the sale, the borrower delivers notice with a real estate listing agreement, the sale is postponed 45 days.
again
Purchase-agreement postponement
If, more than 5 business days before the next sale, the borrower delivers notice with a copy of a purchase agreement, the sale is postponed another 45 days.
of sale
Notice of intent to bid Residential
Certain eligible third parties may give notice of intent to bid within 15 days after the sale.
after sale
Trustee's Deed Upon Sale recorded Residential
15 days after the sale if no intent to bid was given; 45 days if an intent to bid was given.
outer limit
Deadline to record the Trustee's Deed
The outer limit to record the Trustee's Deed Upon Sale is 60 days after the sale. Where an eligible bidder purchases, the relation-back period is likewise 60 days.
IRS redemption right Federal tax lien
The IRS may redeem the property for 120 days after the sale.
General information for California private lenders. Not legal advice, and not a substitute for your foreclosure trustee. Statutory periods, exceptions, postponements, bankruptcy stays, and local rules vary by file. Always consult your own attorney for your specific matter. © 2026 2924.