Foreclosure is a judicial procedure allowing mortgage lenders to take ownership and/or possession of the debtor's real estate (which was used to secure the loan) in the event of nonpayment in Polk County, North Carolina. Foreclosure normally requires the house to be sold at an auction. Normally, banks want to rid themselves of the property as soon as they can, in order to gather as much money as possible.

In every state, including North Carolina, 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 "non-recourse loans," meaning that the lender may only recover ownership of the house in the event of default. If the house is now worth less than the balance of the mortgage, the lender has to take the loss. You should speak with a Polk County, North Carolina Attorney to see if this state is one of them. However, it is almost always the case that this protection does not apply to loans that have been refinanced.

How Can I Avoid Foreclosure in North Carolina?

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 remember that banks in Polk County 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 straightforward with them, lenders will normally 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 can, 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 receive the proceeds of the sale, and the rest of the debt will be forgiven. You may also consider a "short refinance" which allows a part of the debt to be forgiven, and lets you refinance the rest.

How Can A Polk County, North Carolina Attorney Help?

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