Understanding the New Jersey foreclosure timeline is critical for homeowners who want to protect their equity. NJ is a judicial foreclosure state, meaning the process goes through the courts and can take anywhere from several months to over a year. After you miss payments, the lender files a complaint, you receive a summons, and eventually a sheriff sale is scheduled. But here's what most people don't know: at every stage of this process, you still have options. You can sell your home, negotiate with your lender, or work with a company like Sargent Homes that specializes in buying properties before they go to auction. Time is your most valuable asset — don't waste it.