Foreclosure is the legal procedure by which the lender in a mortgage arrangement takes possession of the property (typically a house) that secured the loan. This is done when the Irondale, Alabama debtor has repeatedly failed to make their payments. Foreclosure typically requires the house to be sold at an auction. Typically, banks want to rid themselves of the property as soon as they can, in order to gather as much money as possible.

In all states in the United States, including Alabama, foreclosure by judicial sale is an option. This allows the sale to be done under the supervision of a court, to ensure that the bank makes a good faith effort to get a fair price, and that the proceeds above and beyond the balance of the mortgage (if there are any) go back to the debtor. In various states, mortgages which have not been refinanced are "non-recourse loans." This means that, in the event of default, the bank can take ownership of the house and sell it; but if the sale price happens to be less than the balance of the mortgage, the lender cannot go after the debtor for the remainder. Because of this, some people have found that their best option is to simply walk away from the home if the mortgage is more than the house is worth. You should talk with an Irondale, Alabama Lawyer to see if this state is one of them.

How Can I Avoid Foreclosure in Alabama?

First of all, you shouldn't dismiss the problem. You should stay in contact with your bank, and be forthright with them. Ignoring the issue will not make it go away. It is crucial to remember that the bank does not really want your Irondale house - they expected to make a profit through the interest on your loan, and that's what they'd prefer to do. Accordingly, they will probably make reasonable accommodations to your financial situation if it means that you will be able to make some form of payment to them.

If you can't reach a solution with your lender, there are other options. You can, for example, try a "short sale," which allows you to sell your house for whatever amount you can get, and use the proceeds to pay your mortgage. If the house sells for less than you owe, the bank will receive the proceeds of the sale, and the rest of the debt will be forgiven. You might also consider a "short refinance" which allows a part of the debt to be forgiven, and lets you refinance the rest.

How Can A Irondale, Alabama Attorney Help?

If you think foreclosure is imminent, a good Irondale, Alabama Lawyer may be your best hope for staving it off. Even if keeping the house proves impossible, a good Attorney can minimize the financial effects.