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 Prospect Heights, Illinois has consistently failed to make their payments. Foreclosure usually involves a forced sale of the house at auction. Banks usually 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 all states in the United States, including Illinois, 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 a Prospect Heights, Illinois Lawyer to see if this state is one of them.

How Can I Avoid Foreclosure in Illinois?

First of all, you shouldn't dismiss the problem. You should stay in contact with your bank, and be honest with them. Ignoring the issue will not make it go away. It is necessary to remember that banks don't really want to own homes in Prospect Heights. 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 allow you to keep paying them in the long run.

If you believe that foreclosure is imminent, there are some other avenues. For example, you may be able to engage in a "short sale," which sometimes allows you to sell your house for whatever amount you can receive, give the proceeds to the lender, and walk away free of your mortgage debt, even if the sale netted less than the balance of the mortgage. 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 Prospect Heights, Illinois Attorney Help?

If you are faced with the possibility of foreclosure in Prospect Heights, Illinois, an Lawyer may be able to help. At the very least, he or she can advise you of your legal options.