Foreclosure is a legal process 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 Riverside, Ohio. 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 easy 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 reasonable effort to get a decent price at the auction, and that any proceeds above the balance of the mortgage go back to the borrower. 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 Riverside, Ohio 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 Ohio?
Most importantly, you must not ignore the problem. Doing so will not make it go away, and will probably make it worse. You should stay in close contact with your bank, and be straightforward with them. You should keep in mind that banks normally don't want to take your Riverside 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 keep you from defaulting.
If you can't work things out with your lender, there are other options. You could 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 gets those proceeds, but the remainder of the loan will be forgiven. You may also consider a "short refinance" which allows a chunk of the debt to be forgiven, and lets you refinance the rest.
How Can A Riverside, Ohio Attorney Help?
If you are facing the possibility of foreclosure, a good Riverside, Ohio real estate Attorney can help. At the very least, they will be able to inform you of your legal options.