What is Foreclosure in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?

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Foreclosure is a legal procedure in which a mortgage lender recoups some of its losses in the event of default by acquiring possession and/or ownership of the home that secured the loan in the first place in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Foreclosure normally involves a forced sale of the house at auction. Banks normally want to rid themselves of ownership of the home as soon as possible, collect as much money as they can, and then move on.

In every state, including Pennsylvania, borrowers have the option to go through foreclosure by judicial sale. This means that the auction will be supervised by a court, to make sure that the bank makes an effort to get as high a price as possible (to increase the chances that the whole balance will be covered, as well as the odds that there will be some money leftover for the debtor). In some states, original mortgages are treated as "non-recourse" loans, meaning that, at most, the lender can take possession of the house in the event of foreclosure, even if it is worth less than the amount due. The bank cannot go after the borrower for the remaining balance once it sells the house. You should consult an Attorney in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to find out if this is the case here. This normally does not apply if the mortgage has been refinanced.

How Can I Avoid Foreclosure in Pennsylvania?

First of all, you shouldn't dismiss the problem. You should stay in contact with your bank, and be straightforward with them. Ignoring the issue will not make it go away. One should remember that banks typically don't want to take your house in Bethlehem. 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 straightforward 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. You may also try a "short refinance" which allows a piece of the debt to be forgiven, and the rest refinanced. This allows the bank to wash its hands of the matter, while taking a comparatively small loss, and allows the homeowner to keep their home.

How Can A Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Attorney Help?

If you are facing foreclosure, a good Bethlehem, Pennsylvania real estate Lawyer can help. While keeping your home might not always be possible, an Attorney can increase your odds of success, and help you minimize the negative impact if you do end up losing your home.

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Life in Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a part of Lehigh and Northhampton Counties in Pennsylvania. It is a decently sized city with around 75,000 people.

Major employers that have a presence in Bethlehem include the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, Bethlehem Steel, Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, and St. Luke's Hospital.

Along with these employers, lawyers also have a presence in the city. Many attorneys practice in law offices or firms in Bethlehem, and focus on providing personalized services to their clients.

Attractions include the Stefko Boulevard Shopping Center, the SouthSide Film Festival, NEARFest, the Banana Factory, Zoellner Arts Center, Sands Casino Resort, and the Lehigh Canal.

Interestingly, many celebrities have called Bethlehem home at some point in their life. These celebrities include John Andretti, Chuck Bednarik, Jonathan Frakes, Mel Harris, Dwayne Johnson, Gary Lavelle, Billy Packer, John Spagnola, and Jonathan Taylor Thomas.