Think Before Jumping Into A Solution To Stop A Foreclosure

By Author: Nick Adama
Total Articles: 197
Comment this article

Homeowners who are facing foreclosure often have to make some very difficult decisions about their current financial situations, how to deal with the mortgage, and future economic prospects. Unfortunately, though, too few borrowers ask themselves the tough, important questions that would provide them with the best chances of long term financial success. A foreclosure situation can be a good time to reflect on these issues.

The first concern homeowners should have when researching how foreclosure works and various solutions is why they are seeking this advice and knowledge in the first place. Is it because they are looking for options to save the home? Or maybe just to sell or give up the property and walk away? Are the borrowers concerned about a deficiency judgment if they walk away or do they even know if this would be allowed in their state?

For homeowners who are already working with their lender or a foreclosure assistance company, they may just want more information about the process of modifying a loan or otherwise negotiating with a bank. Learning how to stop a sheriff sale on short notice is also useful, ...
... depending on the circumstances. But until homeowners know why they need foreclosure advice, it is difficult to find the specific information that would help them most.

Another primary issue worth reflecting on is if the homeowners want to sell or save the home, and what their options are in either case. Furthermore, while they may want to save their home, if they are unable to work out an affordable method of doing so, it may be better to sell. But if the market has declined, selling may also be a difficult option, which may force homeowners to file bankruptcy or give the bank a deed in lieu.

Also, homeowners should take some time to consider why they fell behind in their mortgage in the first place. If it was due to a short term hardship that they did not prepare for, it may be wiser to establish an emergency fund to make sure the situation is unlikely to happen again. Rather than clutching at any desperate attempt to stop foreclosure, it may be better to give up the home and rebuild their financial lives.

On the other hand, if the borrowers did have a savings plan and just ran out of funds due to a longer term economic change, it may be necessary to give up the home unless there is enough income to pay the mortgage and get back on a savings plan. But having a home without savings is just an invitation for the next emergency to turn into another devastating financial hardship.

A final consideration may be for homeowners to determine what the chances really are of dealing with all of their debts. If it is not possible to settle with unsecured creditors, filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the best solution, whereas a Chapter 13 may be in order if the borrowers want to use federal court protection to pay back their debts to the greatest extent possible.

While there are many, many issues to think about when facing foreclosure, too many homeowners just jump into an expensive loan modification or repayment plan, go straight for bankruptcy, or simply abandon their homes. This often results in borrowers taking out more loans or extending themselves even further financially, with no better result than delaying the loss of the home by a few months. This is an unfortunate resolution to foreclosure and can be avoided with some thought and planning.
Nick publishes articles on the ForeclosureFish website, which aims to educate homeowners how they can avoid on their properties while they still have time. The site describes various methods to save a house, including foreclosure loans, cash for keys, mortgage modification, filing bankruptcy, and more. Visit the site today to read more and find out what alternatives you can use to avoid the loss of your home: http://www.foreclosurefish.com/