Foreclosure is a legal process allowing mortgage lenders to take ownership and/or possession of the debtor's real estate (which was used to secure the loan) in the event of nonpayment in Rochester, New York. When a house is foreclosed, it is usually sold at auction shortly thereafter. This is because banks usually want to get rid of the property as soon as possible, even if it means losing some money, and an auction is an easy way to do this.
In every state, including New York, there is an option to go through foreclosure by a judicial sale, which is a procedure 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 finally to the debtor if anything is left. In some states, original mortgages are "non-recourse loans," meaning that the lender can only recover ownership of the house in the event of default. If the house is now worth less than the balance of the mortgage, the lender has to take the loss. You should speak with a Rochester, New York Lawyer to see if this state is one of them. However, it is almost always the case that this protection does not apply to loans which have been refinanced.
How Can I Avoid Foreclosure in New York?
First, you should never ignore the matter. As unpleasant as it seems, it is essential to stay on top of the issue. Ignoring the problem will never make it go away. It is necessary to remember that banks don't really want to own homes in Rochester. In issuing a mortgage, they expect to make a profit through interest on the loan, and they'd prefer to continue collecting from you. Therefore, they're likely to make reasonable accommodations to your financial situation if it will enable you to keep paying them in the long run.
If you can't work things out with your lender, there are other options. You could try a "short sale," which is when you sell your house for whatever amount you can get for it, and use the proceeds to pay your mortgage. If the house sells for less than you owe, the bank still gets those proceeds, but the remainder of the loan will be forgiven. A "short refinance" might also be an option in some cases. This allows you to have some portion of the debt forgiven, while refinancing the rest.
How Can A Rochester, New York Attorney Help?
If you are worried about foreclosure, a good Rochester, New York real estate Lawyer might be able to help. A Lawyer can increase your chances of keeping your home, and help minimize the financial impact if keeping it proves impossible.