Foreclosure is a legal procedure in which a mortgage lender recoups some of its losses in the event of default by acquiring possession and/or ownership of the home that secured the loan in the first place in Barnwell, South Carolina Foreclosure typically requires the house to be sold at an auction. Typically, 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 South Carolina, borrowers have the option to go through foreclosure by judicial sale. This means that the auction will be supervised 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 whole balance will be covered, as well as the odds that there will be some money leftover for the debtor). In numerous 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 debtor for the balance, if the sale nets less than the amount due. You should consult an Attorney in Barnwell, South Carolina to learn the details of the law here. You should also know that this rarely applies to loans that have been refinanced.

How Can I Avoid Foreclosure in South Carolina?

First of all, you shouldn't dismiss the problem. You should stay in contact with your bank, and be forthright with them. Ignoring the issue will not make it go away. You should remember that banks in Barnwell 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 forthright with them, lenders will typically 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 avenues. For example, you may be able to engage in a "short sale," which sometimes allows you to sell your house for whatever amount you can receive, 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 substantial portion of your mortgage debt, and refinances the rest.

How Can A Barnwell, South Carolina Attorney Help?

If you are worried about foreclosure, a good Barnwell, South Carolina real estate Attorney may be able to help. An Attorney can increase your chances of keeping your home, and help minimize the financial impact if keeping it proves impossible.