Foreclosure is the process 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 Winnsboro, Louisiana has repeatedly failed to make their payments. Foreclosure normally results in the property being sold in an auction. Banks normally want to get rid of the property as soon as possible, even if it means taking a financial hit, and an auction is the easiest way to do this.

In every state, including Louisiana, 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 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 Winnsboro, Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

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 the bank does not really want your Winnsboro house - they expected to make a profit through the interest on your loan, and that's what they'd prefer to do. Accordingly, they will probably make reasonable accommodations to your financial situation if it means that you will be able to make some form of payment to them.

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. 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 Winnsboro, Louisiana Attorney Help?

If you are faced with the possibility of foreclosure in Winnsboro, Louisiana, an Attorney might be able to help. At the very least, he or she can advise you of your legal options.