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 Eastlake, Ohio. When a house is foreclosed, it is usually sold at auction shortly thereafter. This is because banks usually 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 all states in the U.S., including Ohio, foreclosure by judicial sale is allowed. Under this system, the sale is overseen by a court of law, to ensure that the bank makes a good effort to get a reasonable price at the auction, and that any proceeds above the balance of the mortgage go back to 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 borrower owes, the bank cannot go after the debtor for the remainder. You should consult with an Lawyer in Eastlake, Ohio to see if this is the case. However, this usually doesn't apply if the mortgage has been refinanced.

How Can I Avoid Foreclosure in Ohio?

First and foremost, you should not dismiss the possibility of foreclosure. Failing to respond to collection calls from your lender will not make the problem go away. As unpleasant as this may seem, you should stay in contact with your creditor, and be honest with them. One should remember that banks generally don't want to take your house in Eastlake. They issued your mortgage expecting to earn a profit on the interest. Taking possession of, and selling, your house is a last resort for them. Therefore, if you are honest with them about your financial situation, they are likely to make reasonable accommodations to keep you from defaulting.

If you can't work anything out with your lender, or have become totally unable to make any mortgage payments, a "short sale" might be a good option. This allows you to sell your house for whatever price it can get, and hand the proceeds over to the lender. If the sale price is less than the balance of the loan, the rest of the debt may be forgiven. You may also consider a "short refinance" which allows a portion of the debt to be forgiven, while refinancing the rest, hopefully under better terms.

How Can A Eastlake, Ohio Attorney Help?

If you are facing foreclosure, a good Eastlake, Ohio real estate Lawyer can help. While keeping your home might not always be possible, an Attorney can increase your odds of success, and help you minimize the negative impact if you do end up losing your home.