Foreclosure is the procedure through which the lender in a mortgage takes ownership and/or possession of the property that secured the original loan. This happens when a debtor in Bethesda, Maryland has consistently failed to make their payments. Foreclosure typically results in the property being sold in an auction. Banks typically want to get rid of the property as soon as possible, even if it means taking a financial hit, and an auction is the simplest way to do this.
In every state, including Maryland, there is an option to go through foreclosure by a judicial sale, which is a process in which a court supervises the sale of the property, and makes sure that the proceeds first go the to the holder of the mortgage, then to anyone else who may have a lien on the property, and lastly to the debtor if anything is left. 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 a Bethesda, Maryland Lawyer to see if this state is one of them.
How Can I Avoid Foreclosure in Maryland?
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. One should remember that banks usually don't want to take your house in Bethesda. They issued your mortgage expecting to earn a profit on the interest. Taking possession of, and selling, your house is a last resort for them. Therefore, if you are forthright with them about your financial situation, they are likely to make reasonable accommodations to keep you from defaulting.
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. A "short refinance" may also be an option in some cases. This allows you to have some part of the debt forgiven, while refinancing the rest.
How Can A Bethesda, Maryland Attorney Help?
If you are worried about foreclosure, a good Bethesda, Maryland real estate Attorney may be able to help. An Attorney can increase your chances of keeping your home, and help minimize the financial impact if keeping it proves impossible.