by Justin Mitchell, Maryland Cash Home Buyers (MCHB) Foreclosure activity in Baltimore County increased in the third quarter of 2025, according to data from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).  The DHCD “Foreclosure Hot Spots” report for Q3 2025 shows :  Total foreclosure hot spot events in Baltimore County: 246 (up 30.2% from 189 in Q3 2024)  “Very High” severity events: 80 (up from 12 in Q3 2024 — a 566.7% increase)  “High” severity events: 87 (up from 47)  DHCD categorizes foreclosure “hot spots” based on the concentration of foreclosure-related filings in a given census tract. The “Very High” tier indicates areas where foreclosure activity is significantly above the statewide average.  What This Means for Baltimore Homeowners  For homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments or have received a Notice of Intent to Foreclose, understanding the timeline is critical.  Maryland’s foreclosure process generally follows a sequence like this:  Notice of Intent to Foreclose — The lender sends formal notice. Homeowners typically have 45+ days before the lender can file with the court.  Order to Docket — The lender files the foreclosure action with the circuit court. The timeline often accelerates from this point.  Mediation (owner-occupied properties) — Maryland generally requires mediation before auction for owner-occupied homes.  Auction — The property is sold at public auction, often at the courthouse.  Ratification — The court confirms the sale, and the new owner proceeds toward possession.  The window between the Notice of Intent and auction can span months — but many homeowners don’t realize how quickly options can narrow as the process advances.  What Options Exist?  Depending on where a homeowner is in the timeline, several paths may be available:  Loan modification or forbearance negotiated with the lender  Traditional sale (if time and equity allow)  Direct sale to a cash buyer before auction (if speed and certainty are priorities)  Consultation with a HUD-approved housing counselor  “The data suggests foreclosure pressure in Baltimore County is not limited to a single quarter,” said Justin Mitchell, Founder of Maryland Cash Home Buyers. “Our goal is to help homeowners understand their timeline and available options. Every situation is different, and homeowners may want to consult a HUD-approved housing counselor or an attorney for legal guidance.”  Debbi Rivero, a licensed Maryland REALTOR® (#320362) serving in an advisory capacity, noted that increases in higher-severity categories can be consistent with households facing tighter timeframes.  “When activity rises in the ‘Very High’ hot spot tier, it can be a sign that more homeowners are closer to critical deadlines,” said Rivero. “Timing varies by case, but acting earlier typically provides more options.”  Maryland Cash Home Buyers has launched the Pre-Foreclosure Resolution Program™ to help homeowners facing foreclosure, mortgage default, or auction timelines. The program offers timeline assessment, payoff verification support, and as-is sale options with closing timelines aligned to lender requirements.  Resources  Maryland DHCD Foreclosure Hot Spots Reports: https://dhcd.maryland.gov/pages/research.aspx  HUD-Approved Housing Counselors in Maryland: https://www.hud.gov/findacounselor  Full announcement: https://marylandcashhomebuyers.com/press-releases/baltimore-county-foreclosure-hot-spots-q3-2025/  This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Foreclosure timelines and outcomes vary by lender, servicer, and court. Homeowners facing foreclosure should consult with a HUD-approved housing counselor or licensed attorney for guidance specific to their situation.  ...read more read less