Foreclosure Questions

From LoveToKnow Mortgage

Getting behind on your mortgage payments can be frustrating enough, but when you don’t know where to turn with foreclosure questions then everything can get incredibly confusing. Don’t assume that you know all you need to know about the potential for losing your home. If you find yourself in the situation of not having enough funds to cover your home loan; having the right information may help you keep your home.

Foreclosure sign

Beware of Generic Foreclosure Answers

It’s one thing to seek out answers to foreclosure questions if you are simply interested in the topic and want to have the general knowledge for your own peace of mind, but it is another thing entirely if you are frantically searching for answers to your questions because you are in danger of losing your home to foreclosure. Foreclosure laws vary from state to state, so it is very important to seek out answers to your specific questions from a trusted and reliable source to help prevent or stop foreclosure.

Reliable Sources

What is a good example of a trusted and reliable source?

  • Attorneys: Licensed attorneys within your area should be able to answer your foreclosure questions satisfactorily, and in some cases they may be able to assist you in navigating (or avoiding) the process. If you cannot afford an attorney, seek out the local Legal Aid within your city or county.
  • Financial Advisors: Some financial advisors may be able to answer your questions regarding foreclosure within your state, but make sure the individual you visit has experience in dealing with foreclosure matters. In other words, a financial advisor who specializes in setting people up with mutual funds may not be the best choice.
  • Your Mortgage Lender: Believe it or not, your mortgage lender probably does not want to foreclose on your home. In the vast majority of cases, it is far more financially advantageous for lenders to have a borrower in place and making payments than it is to pay for foreclosure proceedings and send the home to auction. Don’t avoid your lender if you feel as though you may fall behind in mortgage payments (or already have) because your lender may be able to help you in a variety of ways and partner with you in avoiding – or getting out of – foreclosure.
  • The Guaranteeing Agency: If your mortgage loan was originally guaranteed by FHA or the VA then you should contact the agency with any foreclosure questions you have. Not only will they be able to effectively answer all your questions, they also may be able to help you keep your home.

Refer to Reliable Websites

When looking for answers to questions regarding foreclosure online, it is a good idea to visit websites which are representative of governing agencies. The reason for this is because foreclosure is a legal proceeding that is regulated by the law, and therefore you will find the most accurate answers from official websites of the agencies involved in foreclosures.

Here is a brief list of some reliable websites which offer valuable foreclosure information that may answer your questions:

Quick Answers to Common Foreclosure Questions

If you find yourself in the situation of possibly losing your home to foreclosure, use these answers as the catalyst to make you seek out more information and get the help you need.

  • How does foreclosure work ?: Although it may vary by state, a Notice of Default for or Lis Pendons is filed, and attempts may be made to bring the mortgage up to date. If the proceedings are not stopped, eventually the eviction process will be initiated.
  • Can they really take my home? Yes, if you fail to make your payments you can certainly lose your home to foreclosure.
  • How many payments can I miss before a foreclosure starts? Read your loan paperwork, but in some instances the lender can legally start foreclosure proceedings after ‘’one missed payment.’’
  • If I pay my first mortgage on time, but not my home equity loan, can my home be foreclosed? Yes.
  • Can I stop foreclosure proceedings? Yes, and this is why it is so important to seek out help when you need it.


 


Comments

Linda, although there is a growing trend of people just "walking away" from homes and allowing them to go into foreclosure, this is almost never the best way to deal with a situation like this.

Did you contact your homeowners insurance company regarding the home that was destroyed? You may have had coverage for vandalism, if that is what the situation falls under.

Do you want to keep the home and continue to rent it out? If you don't want to keep it, then you may want to aggressively pursue selling it. You might not make a large profit, but if your main goal is to just get rid of it then you may be able to find a buyer.

Have you filed a lawsuit against the people who did the damage to your home?

It's unfortunate that you had to experience this, and the process of rebuilding your credit may be a long and tedious one. If you want to keep both homes then I suggest contacting FHA (www.fha.gov) or a local assistance office to see if there is a program you can qualify for. Odd as it may seem, this is the best time for something like this to happen to you because of all the new foreclosure avoidance programs that are popping up.

There is help out there for you, but you'll have to pursue it. Don't give up.

-- Contributed by: Tamsen Butler

I own 2 homes. One of them was rented which actually paid for the mortgage. The tenants destroyed the property and then moved. After paying $13K in repairs and the mortgage on that home and the home in San DIego, I am now having great difficulty paying my debts. The bank in NJ will not help. It is all or nothing to them. The bank in California is willing to work out a temporary solution. I am wondering if I can go into foreclosure for the house I do not live in even though I have never had one late payment? Or should I file bankrupcy? My credit score 4 months ago was excellent, but now it is shot and I have only missed one mortgage payment. Not sure what to do!

-- Contributed by: Linda

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