If you're facing foreclosure, you're probably feeling a lot of emotions right now. You may be scared, angry, or confused. But it's important to remember that you're not alone. Foreclosure is a common problem, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself. The first thing you need to do is understand the foreclosure process.
How Does Foreclosure Work?
Foreclosure is a legal process that allows a lender to take possession of a property if the borrower defaults on their mortgage payments. If you don't do anything, the bank will foreclose, take ownership of your home, and sell it. Not only will you lose your home, but a foreclosure will also stay on your credit report for up to 7 years.
Timeline
The foreclosure process typically takes several months to complete. The first step is the notice of default. This is a letter from your lender that tells you that you're in default on your mortgage payments. You have 90 days to remedy the default, which means bringing your payments current.
If you the default is not remedied, the lender will file for foreclosure on your property. And the bank will then schedule a public auction to sell your home. You'll have 21 days from the date of the auction to pay off the full amount of your mortgage debt. If you don't do this, the bank will take ownership of your home and sell it to the highest bidder.
It’s Important to Understand Your Options
There are three general options you can choose to stop the foreclosure process:
•Pay off the default amount and resume previous mortgage payments.
•Negotiate with the lender a new monthly mortgage payment to encompass the default amount and existing loan payments.
•Sell your house to pay off the debt, liquidate the equity and save your credit.
If you can afford to pay off the default amount, this is the best option. It will stop the foreclosure process and protect your credit. If you can't afford to pay off the default amount, you may be able to negotiate a new monthly mortgage payment with your lender. This is called a loan modification. Loan modifications are not always available, but they can be a good option if you're struggling to make your mortgage payments.
If you can't afford to make your mortgage payments and you can't negotiate a loan modification, the best option may be to sell your home. Selling your home will allow you to pay off your mortgage debt and avoid foreclosure.
Getting Help
If you're facing foreclosure, there are resources available to help you. You can contact your lender, a housing counselor, or a lawyer for help. I can help you secure the necessary resources to guide you, and if necessary, I can help you sell your home–with compassion while getting the best price possible to help you secure a stronger future. 916-778-8659
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