Facing foreclosure is extremely difficult at any time of the year, especially when the homeowner does not have any options for finding a new place to live and has a family to support. At the Emerson Law Firm, we know how devastating it can be to learn that you are at risk of foreclosure, and we also know how important it is to take steps in order to prevent the completion of a foreclosure. Even if you cannot remain in your home, you may be able to sell your property quickly without taking the impact on your credit that a foreclosure would have. In addition, you may be able to work out an agreement with the lender so that you will not still owe a significant amount of money on your mortgage and will not face legal action from the lender.
Whether you are currently facing foreclosure and it appears imminent, or you are behind on your mortgage payments and have concerns about your options for the near future, our experienced Oak Park foreclosure defense attorneys can discuss potential options with you.
File for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, if you are eligible, can stop the foreclosure process before the holidays and give you an opportunity to catch up on your mortgage debt. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is often the best way to avoid foreclosure and to remain in your home.
Consider a Short Sale
If Chapter 13 bankruptcy is not a possibility for you, you should speak with an attorney about a short sale. With a short sale, you must get the lender to agree, and you will need to find a buyer for the property. How does this work? A short sale involves selling your property for less than what you owe on the mortgage but for an amount agreed upon by the bank. Then, with assistance from your lawyer, you can have the lender agree to forgive any remaining debt (i.e., the amount remaining when you subtract the purchase price of the house from the amount you owe on the mortgage). While a short sale will not help you stay in your home, it can allow you to avoid the credit consequences of a foreclosure, and you may be eligible to buy a home again soon.
Find Out About a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure
While it is often less appealing than a short sale, if your lender will not agree to a short sale or if a short sale does not seem possible or likely for other reasons, you may be able to consider a deed in lieu of foreclosure. With a deed in lieu, as it is commonly described, you will sign over your home to the bank in return for the bank agreeing to stop any foreclosure proceedings. Depending upon your circumstances, you may be able to work with an experienced foreclosure defense lawyer to reach an agreement with the bank, where they will forgive the mortgage debt you owe so that you will not face a lawsuit in the future.
Contact an Oak Park Foreclosure Defense Lawyer Today
If you are struggling to make mortgage payments and want to learn about options to defend against foreclosure or to stop foreclosure before the holidays, our experienced Oak Park foreclosure defense lawyers can help. We have years of experience representing homeowners in foreclosure defense cases, and an advocate at our firm can speak with you today about your circumstances. Contact the Emerson Law Firm for more information about how we can assist you.
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