Pre-foreclosure Period

There are two types of court foreclosure processes in Louisiana: executory and ordinary. 

The ordinary process is more extensive and costly, and it works more like a lawsuit. This foreclosure process usually lasts about nine months.

The executory process occurs when a lender uses a mortgage that includes an “authentic act that imparts a confession of judgment” in which the borrower accepts the obligations under the mortgage. This type of foreclosure process moves more quickly and easily, and the ideal timeline is approximately six months. The lender is not required by state law to send any notification to the borrower before beginning the foreclosure process; however, the deed of trust or mortgage may include such a requirement. Either way, once the petition is filed, the borrower is served with a demand for the default amount. If the borrower does not provide the amount within three days, the court orders a writ of seizure and sale, and the clerk delivers it to the sheriff.

Notice of Sale / Auction

The borrower is personally served with the notice of foreclosure sale by the sheriff. The notice of sale is also published two times in a newspaper in the parish where the property is located. The sheriff conducts the sale, and anyone may bid including the borrower. The winning bidder must pay the sale price in cash on the day of the sale, or in some cases, within 30 days of the sale if a 10-percent deposit is made. The sheriff then issues a deed to the winning bidder.

There are no redemption rights for the borrower in Louisiana.