How does foreclosure work in Vermont?
Vermont uses a judicial-strict foreclosure process. Until the redemption period in your decree expires, you still own the home and can sell it, pay off the judgment in full, and keep the remaining equity — Vermont Legal Aid expressly lists selling during the redemption period as an option. After the redemption date passes, you lose that right; if a judicial sale then occurs, any surplus over the debts is distributed per the court's order, but do not count on surplus — selling before redemption expires is the reliable way to keep equity. The redemption date is COURT-SET (6-month statutory default, court may shorten).
Can you catch up and keep your home?
Before judgment you can cure the default by paying the missed payments and charges stated in the lender's notice of default (per the mortgage terms and federal servicing rules) — Vermont Legal Aid confirms curing before judgment stops the case. Vermont also has a court-connected foreclosure mediation program (request form is served with the summons) where the lender must consider affordable loan modifications. AFTER judgment there is no arrears-only reinstatement: during the redemption period you must redeem by paying the FULL amount owed (or negotiate a modification with the lender's agreement).
Until when can you sell and keep your equity?
Until the redemption period in your decree expires, you still own the home and can sell it, pay off the judgment in full, and keep the remaining equity — Vermont Legal Aid expressly lists selling during the redemption period as an option. After the redemption date passes, you lose that right; if a judicial sale then occurs, any surplus over the debts is distributed per the court's order, but do not count on surplus — selling before redemption expires is the reliable way to keep equity. The redemption date is COURT-SET (6-month statutory default, court may shorten). See your exact dates with the free Vermont Foreclosure Deadline Calculator.
The honest math on a Vermont foreclosure
Every day you carry the loan, arrears, fees, and interest grow. A traditional listing takes weeks to market and 30–45 more days for a financed buyer to close — time you may not have before the sale date.
A cash sale that closes before the sale date lets you walk away with your equity instead of losing it at auction. Talk to a free HUD counselor too — you may have options beyond selling.