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 Saco, Maine has repeatedly failed to make their payments. Foreclosure typically results in the property being sold in an auction. Banks typically 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 Maine, borrowers have the option to go through foreclosure by judicial sale. This means that the auction will be overseen 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 entire balance will be covered, as well as the odds that there will be some money leftover for the borrower). In many states, original mortgages are considered non-recourse loans, meaning that if the house is foreclosed and sold for less than the debtor owes, the bank cannot go after the debtor for the remainder. You should consult with an Attorney in Saco, Maine to see if this is the case. However, this typically doesn't apply if the mortgage has been refinanced.
How Can I Avoid Foreclosure in Maine?
First of all, you shouldn't ignore the problem. You should stay in contact with your bank, and be forthright with them. Ignoring the issue will not make it go away. It is essential to remember that banks don't really want to own homes in Saco. 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 enable you to keep paying them in the long run.
If you believe that foreclosure is imminent, there are some other options. For example, you might be able to engage in a "short sale," which sometimes allows you to sell your house for whatever amount you can get, 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 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 Saco, Maine Attorney Help?
If you are faced with the possibility of foreclosure in Saco, Maine, an Attorney might be able to help. At the very least, he or she can advise you of your legal options.