The Faces Of Foreclosures Include Mine
Every time we drive to work, school, or church we pass the empty homes. These are the houses our friends lived in and now they were largely unkempt and vacant. The stories behind each of the foreclosures was different but the anguish at saying goodbye was identical.
A medical emergency, divorce, or job loss might trigger the process. I received my Notice of Default the day I was holding my garage sale. Looking past the treadmill, books, and my lose weight fast program I was struck with reality. I sunk into a chair by my wife’s electric breast pump and stared at her strapless wedding gown.
The thought of losing our house was simply not in the cards. I am typical male that does not really listen. I just want to solve the problem. I had no experience in losing a home or more importantly how to avoid losing a home to the bank.
I got proactive. I determined who had my mortgage and contacted them to see what options I had available. Mortgages are bundled together and sold and often resold. You mortgage may now be with a company thousands of miles from the downtown bank that financed your house. FHA loans, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans all have free counselors with toll free numbers.
VA and HUD also have free counselors to determine if you qualify for loan modification programs. You may also fit a special needs category that entitles you to modified loan. Work quickly and do not waste any business days. The clock is ticking on your foreclosure.
Check out your state’s foreclosure rules. Ask about your redemption rights. No matter who you speak to or how informed they may be, make sure your speak to an experienced real estate attorney to confirm everything. You must know how many days you have to catch up on your back payments. You need to know if your auction date can be extended.
The process may vary from state to state. You need to check to determine if you have a one year right of redemption. The time period may be different and it may not apply to your state. Redemption rights should be established.
What if you cannot bail yourself out or find a solution in partnership with your lender? Your home will be scheduled for auction. Do not wait until you are standing in the middle of your garage sale holding your default notice to find a solution. Start the minute you even think you may not be able to make your monthly mortgage payment.
