Avoiding Home Foreclosure

How to Avoid and Stop Foreclosure on Your Home

Are you a homeowner who is experiencing financial difficulties? If those difficulties are making it impossible to pay your mortgage, you may find yourself facing foreclosure. This is if you haven’t already been served with a foreclosure notice. Although it is difficult to associate foreclosures with good news, there is some. In some states, it is never really too late to stop foreclosure proceedings.

Before focusing on a few of the many ways that you can stop foreclosure in its tracks, it is important to touch on prevention. There are multiple ways that homeowners, just like you, can avoid foreclosure. At the first sign of financial trouble, homeowners should schedule a meeting with their lenders. Lenders do not want a home to enter into foreclosure, so many are willing to work with borrowers. The sooner you ask for help, the better your chances are for receiving it.

In addition to speaking with your financial lender, there are other steps that you can and should take. Did you lose your job? Whether you were laid off or fired, you need to start looking for work right away. In the time being, you may want to apply for part-time jobs. Of course, lenders want all of the money that they are owed, but some are willing to temporarily accept smaller payments. Selling a few of your valuables, prioritizing your spending, and eliminating unnecessary purchases can free up money that can and should be applied to your mortgage.

As for how you can stop foreclosure, the best chances of you doing so are in the pre-foreclosure stages. This is before the courts have approved the proceeding and ruled in favor of the mortgage lender. Until this point in time, you are still the resident and owner of the home in question. If you do not feel that you can come into money, either by getting a second job or a loan from those that you know, now is the time to try and sell your property. Many in your shoes will try to sell their homes independently, but you can benefit from the services of a professional real estate agent.  

When selling your home, whether you do so independently or with a real estate agent, you will want your home to be reasonably priced. The better the price, the quicker your home will sell. With that said, do not lose money. You need to make sure that you have enough money to pay off your mortgage in full. Not only that, you need to examine your moving expenses. How much do you need to rent an apartment? What about moving costs or storage fees? Only sell your home when you are able to make a small profit, even if that profit will be spent to provide you with new shelter.

Even if your home is slated to be sold at an auction, know that you may be able to stop it from happening. Some states have redemption laws. They provide homeowner, like you, with a grace period. This period allows you to get your mortgage back in good standing. When you do so, the foreclosure proceedings will stop, even if an auction has already occurred.

As a last resort, you may want to schedule an appointment with an attorney that specializes in foreclosures and real estate. Many will suggest filing for bankruptcy. Some states offer protection to homeowners. This protection may excluded their home as an asset or at least temporarily stops the foreclose proceedings.

How to Avoid Foreclosure

Today, a large number of homeowners are facing foreclosure and many wonder what steps they should take. Those facing foreclosure should be well educated on the subject. For example, homeowners should familiarize themselves with their local and state foreclosure laws, their rights as homeowners, and so forth. With that said, it is important to remember that foreclosures are preventable.  

The easiest way to avoid foreclosure is to make your monthly mortgage payments and do so on time. Some financial lenders will prepare for foreclosure after only one or two missed payments. While you will not be removed from your home right away, just know that the process is easy to get started, so never fall behind in your payments.

Of course telling you that you should make on time monthly mortgage payments doesn’t mean that you will or that you even can. If you see financial trouble in the near future, such as being laid off from work or being out of work due to an injury, speak to your lender. If a lender knows that your financial troubles are only temporary and if you have a history of on time payments in the past, they may be willing to work with you. This may involve smaller payments for the time being.

Even if you cannot get your financial lender to lower your mortgage payments, even just temporarily, there are still ways that you can avoid foreclosure. First and foremost, never ignore warnings and phone calls from your lender. Even if you do not intend to keep your home, it is important to be in constant contact with your mortgage holder. You will need to know what happens next and when you should leave the property.

If you have jewelry, a second car or other belongings that can be sold, you are encouraged to do so. This may give you the money needed to get your mortgage up-to-date and in good standing. Even if not in one hundred percent good standing, it shows your financial lender that you are trying your hardest to keep your home. As easy as selling some of your belongings are, know that acquiring a second job is often your best chance of success.

Increasing your income and temporary cash flow are just two ways to avoid foreclosure and keep your mortgage payments up-to-date. With that said, many homeowners facing foreclosure are surprised to learn just how much money they can save up by prioritizing their spending. Due the recent rise in gasoline, food, and entertainment, consumers who never had to worry about using coupons or having a monthly budget need them now. All homeowners, especially those facing foreclosure are encouraged to track their spending habits and eliminate unnecessary purchase. The money saved should be applied towards mortgage payments.
 
Another easy way to reduce the risk of foreclosure is to seek professional assistance when needed. In some states, local governments and even mortgage lenders occasionally provide free foreclosure assistance to homeowners in need. As soon as you suspect that foreclosure may be an issue, you should meet with an attorney specializing in foreclosures or a HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) approved counselor. These are individuals who can advise you of your rights, help you understand your state’s foreclosure laws, as well as help you develop a plan of action. Homeowners facing foreclosure often report an overwhelming feeling that just cannot and will not go away. This is the time to seek professional help.

Finally, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) advises homeowners to not fall for foreclosure scams. These scams are often referred to as foreclosure recovery scams. Never believe the claim of an individual or company who says they can stop foreclosure proceedings with one signature. If you are not careful, you could still lose your home. What you may become instead is a renter who can’t afford the new rent. Never sign any documents pertaining to your home without first having a trusted and reputable attorney review them.

How to Find and Buy Foreclosures

When looking for information pertaining to foreclosures, you will find a lot of information for homeowners who are on the verge of losing their homes. This is nice, but you may be on the other side of the fence. Instead, you may be looking for information and tips on buying foreclosure properties. If so, you have come to the right place.

Those unfamiliar with real estate and foreclosures often wonder how they can find foreclosures available for sale. After a quick examination, many are pleased and surprised with their options. One of the easiest ways to find foreclosure properties listed for sale is online. Many foreclosure listing websites come with a free trial period. Foreclosure properties can also be bought through an auction. These auctions are usually advertised in local newspapers, but town and village offices should have the information posted as well.

As an added bonus, if you are new to buying real estate and foreclosures, you will want to examine homes that are referred to as REO (real estate owned). You may still find affordable asking prices on these types of properties, but they aren’t always classified as foreclosures. This is because the original lender, who now may be referred to as the investor, has regained control of the property. This occurs when bids are low at a foreclosure auction. The lender steps up and buys the property themselves. You can find REO properties available for sale online or by visiting your local bank branches.

As it was previously stated, foreclosures can be purchased at an auction. Many bargain hunters like this approach, but know that it may not be in your best interest. Many states do not allow you to place a bid unless you can show proof of available funds upfront. Since it is rare for a lender to grant you a mortgage loan on a house that both you and they have never seen, not everyone is the perfect candidate for foreclosure auctions.  

In keeping with foreclosure auctions, it is first important to determine what protection your state offers homeowners going through foreclosure. Some states have redemption laws. When these laws are in place, homeowners have a set time frame in which they can reclaim their home by getting their mortgage back in good standing. What this essentially means is that you could win a foreclosure auction, but later walk away without the property. This cannot occur with REOs, as the seller is already out of the picture.

If you are interested in buying a foreclosure, it is recommended that you do the proper amount of research first. Although you may not be able to inspect the property in question, you may be able to drive by the property. Foreclosure listing websites and local government offices will have the address listed. Use your best judgment. If the property doesn’t look cared for on the outside, chances are the inside is just the same. Of course, you can remodel, but be sure to take those costs into consideration when placing your bid.

As a reminder, it is easy to find information on foreclosures both online and locally. To make sure that you are well informed, consider consulting with a professional, such as lawyer who specializes in real estate law. At the very least, purchase a guide on how to buy foreclosures from your local bookstore or online.