Foreclosure is a judicial process in which a mortgage lender recoups some of its losses in the event of default by taking possession and/or ownership of the home that secured the loan in the first place in Nazareth, Pennsylvania 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 collect as much money as possible.
In all states in the United States, including Pennsylvania, foreclosure by judicial sale is an option. This allows the sale to be conducted under the supervision of a court, to ensure that the bank makes a good faith effort to get a fair price, and that the proceeds above and beyond the balance of the mortgage (if there are any) go back to the debtor. 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 Nazareth, Pennsylvania to see if this is the case. However, this normally doesn't apply if the mortgage has been refinanced.
How Can I Avoid Foreclosure in Pennsylvania?
First and foremost, you should not ignore the possibility of foreclosure. Failing to respond to collection calls from your lender will not make the problem go away. As unpleasant as this might seem, you should stay in contact with your creditor, and be straightforward with them. You should remember that banks in Nazareth 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 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. There is also the option of a "short refinance," which forgives a considerable portion of your mortgage debt, and refinances the rest.
How Can A Nazareth, Pennsylvania Attorney Help?
If you think foreclosure is imminent, a good Nazareth, Pennsylvania Attorney might be your best hope for staving it off. Even if keeping the house proves impossible, a good Lawyer can minimize the financial effects.