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 Grand Rapids, Michigan has consistently 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 simple way to do this.
In every state, including Michigan, there is an option to go through foreclosure by a judicial sale, which is a process 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 lastly 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 possession of the house in the event of foreclosure, even if it is worth less than the amount due. The bank cannot go after the borrower for the remaining balance once it sells the house. You should consult a attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan 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 Michigan?
First, you should never dismiss the matter. As unpleasant as it seems, it is necessary 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 Grand Rapids 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 prevent you from defaulting.
If you can't work things out with your lender, there are other avenues. You can try a "short sale," which is when you sell your house for whatever amount you can get for it, and use the proceeds to pay your mortgage. If the house sells for less than you owe, the bank still receives those proceeds, but the remainder of the loan will be forgiven. A "short refinance" may also be an option in some cases. This allows you to have some part of the debt forgiven, while refinancing the rest.
How Can A Grand Rapids, Michigan Attorney Help?
If you are facing foreclosure, a good Grand Rapids, Michigan real estate lawyer can help. While keeping your home might not always be possible, a attorney can increase your odds of success, and help you minimize the negative impact if you do end up losing your home.
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