A Notice of Default (NOD) is a public document recorded with the Solano County Assessor/Recorder's Office indicating that a homeowner has fallen behind on mortgage payments, officially starting the California non-judicial foreclosure process.

Under federal and California foreclosure laws, a mortgage servicer generally cannot file or record a Notice of Default until a homeowner is more than 120 days delinquent, which typically equates to 4 missed monthly mortgage payments. This window is designed to give homeowners time to explore loss mitigation alternatives.

In most cases, California law requires a minimum 90-day period after a Notice of Default is recorded before a Notice of Trustee Sale can be issued. Every situation is different, so reviewing your specific timeline is important.

Yes. Many homeowners choose to sell before foreclosure to preserve their equity, avoid a trustee sale, and maintain greater control over the outcome.

In many cases, selling the property before a trustee sale can stop the foreclosure process if the transaction closes and the lender receives the required payoff or approves the sale.

Yes, missed payments and a recorded NOD will negatively impact your credit profile. Taking action early may help reduce the long-term financial impact compared to allowing the foreclosure process to continue.

Inherited properties facing default require a clear assessment of title and debt status. Heirs frequently have options to negotiate with the lender, settle the default, or execute an equity sale to secure the remaining value of the estate without taking on personal liability for the debt.

No. Our role is to help homeowners understand their options. Whether you decide to keep the property, pursue a loan modification, sell traditionally, or explore another solution, the decision is always yours.

We help homeowners understand where they stand, what deadlines matter, and what options may be available. Whether you're considering a loan modification, selling the property, dealing with an inherited home, or trying to avoid foreclosure, we help you evaluate practical next steps. You can also review our Vallejo homeowner resources and foreclosure timeline guides for additional information.