What is Foreclosure in New Bedford, Massachusetts?

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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 New Bedford, Massachusetts has repeatedly failed to make their payments. Foreclosure usually results in the property being sold in an auction. Banks usually 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 Massachusetts, 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 many states, original mortgages (as opposed to refinanced loans) are "non-recourse" loans, meaning that the most the lender can collect is whatever the foreclosed property sells for. The bank cannot go after the borrower for the balance, if the sale nets less than the amount due. You should consult a Lawyer in New Bedford, Massachusetts to learn the details of the law here. You should also know that this rarely applies to loans which have been refinanced.

How Can I Avoid Foreclosure in Massachusetts?

First of all, you shouldn't ignore the problem. You should stay in contact with your bank, and be honest with them. Ignoring the issue will not make it go away. You should remember that banks in New Bedford don't want your house. While the foreclosure process can be devastating for the homeowner, it's no walk in the park for the bank, either. They expected to make a profit through interest on the loan paid over time, and foreclosure is a last resort, allowing them to cut their losses and move on. If you are honest with them, lenders will usually try to accommodate your changed financial situation, to avoid a default on your part, and the necessity of foreclosing on their part.

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 might 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 relatively small loss, and allows the homeowner to keep their home.

How Can A New Bedford, Massachusetts Attorney Help?

If you think foreclosure is imminent, a good New Bedford, Massachusetts 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.

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Life in New Bedford

New Bedford, Massachusetts houses a population of over 100,000 residents. And that's not all New Bedford is home to, the city is also the number one fishing port in America, in addition to being the world's most famous whaling era seaports. The strategic locationright onthe water makes the city a natural seaport, and wonderful place for the commercial or leisure fisherman to take advantage of.

In addition to many parks and shops located in the city's historic district, New Bedford has whaling museum to commorate the city's role in whaling. Fishing and manufacturing are the two largest industries in New Bedford, although tourism is also on the rise.

New Bedford is also home to some of the state's top lawyers. New Bedford lawyers and other professionals enjoy the wonderful work and lifestyle that the east coast city has to offer, and are trained to assist their client in any issue he or she may find themself facing. New Bedford's location fifty one miles south of the state capital of Boston, makes it a very easy city to visit and enjoy. New Bedford also enjoys a thriving arts and music movement in recent times, that is home to many lively festivals and concerts for their residents and visitors to take part in.