New York foreclosures typically take 12-18 months from the initial filing to a potential sale, but this timeline can vary significantly based on your defense strategy and the lender’s actions. The process includes several required steps: the lender must file a summons and complaint, you have time to respond, and there are mandatory settlement conferences designed to explore alternatives. A strong legal defense can extend this timeline considerably, giving you more time to explore loan modifications, catch up on payments, or prepare for other solutions. The key is acting quickly once you receive foreclosure papers—waiting reduces your options and shortens the time available to build an effective defense.