| Wisconsin Foreclosure
Procedure
Back to State List
Judicial Foreclosure Available: Yes
Non-judicial Foreclosure Available: Yes
If the mortgage contains a power of
sale clause, it may be foreclosed by advertisement in Wisconsin without
going through a lawsuit. On the other hand, if there is no power of sale
clause, the mortgage must be foreclosed judicially by filing a lawsuit
and obtaining a court-ordered sale.
Judicial Foreclosure
The lender may file a lawsuit seeking a
court order for foreclosure and/or a deficiency judgment for any money
the sale doesn't produce. The court will set the date, time, place and
manner of sale. Usually it is conducted by the sheriff. No sale may be
made for one year from the date the judgment is entered unless the
lender waives the right to a deficiency, in which case the delay is six
months, or two months if the property is abandoned. Sales by consent may
be earlier.
Foreclosure by Advertisement
Preliminary Notices
Contents
The foreclosure notice must specify the
names of the borrower and lender, the date the mortgage was recorded,
the amount due at the date of the notice, a property description and the
time and place of sale.
Recording
The foreclosure notice must be recorded
when the foreclosure notice is first published.
Advertising
A foreclosure notice with the time and
place of sale must be published once a week for six consecutive weeks in
a newspaper published in the county where the real estate is located.
Service
Mailing is not adequate. The
foreclosure notice must be served upon the borrower in the same manner
that civil process in a lawsuit is served. If the borrower cannot be
found, then the notice shall be posted in a conspicuous spot on the
mortgaged premises and served on any occupant.
Sale Procedures
Time
The sale takes place between 9 A.M. and
sunset.
Place
The sale occurs at the place given in
the foreclosure notice.
Manner
The sale shall be at public auction to
the highest bidder. The person who normally calls out the sale must be
the person appointed for the task in the mortgage, or the sheriff. The
sale may be postponed, if necessary. The person making the sale must
give the purchaser a certificate, in writing, entitling the buyer to a
deed. The certificate must be filed where deeds are recorded. If the
property is not redeemed, the person making the sale must execute a deed
to the buyer.
Sale Confirmation
Wisconsin law provides a procedure by
which a foreclosure sale may be confirmed by court order after it is
made.
Redemption
If a sale is confirmed, then there is
no right of redemption. Otherwise, there is a one-year right of
redemption if the high bid at the foreclosure sale, plus interest, is
paid. During such a period, the borrower may also retain possession.
Deficiency
A deficiency judgment is not allowed
unless the application for sales confirmation states the lender's intent
to seek one. Otherwise, it is a separate portion of any existing legal
action, or a separate action altogether. It will not be final until on
or after the sale confirmation.
Back to State
List
Call Toll Free
(800) 513-0602 |