Foreclosure is the legal process by which the lender in a mortgage arrangement takes possession of the property (normally a house) that secured the loan. This is done when the Braidwood, Illinois debtor has repeatedly failed to make their payments. When a house is foreclosed, it is normally sold at auction shortly thereafter. This is because banks normally 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 all states in the U.S., including Illinois, foreclosure by judicial sale is allowed. Under this system, the sale is overseen by a court of law, to ensure that the bank makes a reasonable effort to get a decent price at the auction, and that any proceeds above the balance of the mortgage go back to the borrower. In some states, original mortgages are treated as "non-recourse" loans, meaning that, at most, the lender can take ownership of the house in the event of foreclosure, even if it is worth less than the amount due. The bank cannot go after the debtor for the remaining balance once it sells the house. You should consult a Lawyer in Braidwood, Illinois 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 Illinois?

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. You should keep in mind that banks normally don't want to take your Braidwood home. They aren't in the real estate business, and expect to make money through interest on the loan, not by selling your house. If you are up-front with them early on, they will probably make a reasonable effort to accommodate your financial system if it will keep you from defaulting.

If you can't reach a solution with your lender, there are other options. You could, 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 get the proceeds of the sale, and the rest of the debt will be forgiven. You may also consider a "short refinance" which allows a chunk of the debt to be forgiven, and lets you refinance the rest.

How Can A Braidwood, Illinois Attorney Help?

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