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 Wilkes Barre, 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 every state, including Pennsylvania, borrowers have the option to go through foreclosure by judicial sale. This means that the auction will be overseen by a court, to make sure that the bank makes an effort to get as high a price as possible (to increase the chances that the entire balance will be covered, as well as the odds that there will be some money leftover for 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 debtor owes, the bank cannot go after the debtor for the remainder. You should consult with an Attorney in Wilkes Barre, 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 of all, you shouldn't ignore the problem. You should stay in contact with your bank, and be straightforward with them. Ignoring the issue will not make it go away. One should remember that banks typically don't want to take your house in Wilkes Barre. 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 straightforward with them about your financial situation, they are likely to make reasonable accommodations to prevent 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 might also try a "short refinance" which allows a piece of the debt to be forgiven, and the rest refinanced. This allows the bank to wash its hands of the matter, while taking a relatively small loss, and allows the homeowner to keep their home.
How Can A Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania Attorney Help?
If you are facing the possibility of foreclosure, a good Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania real estate Attorney can help. At the very least, they will be able to inform you of your legal options.