Foreclosures Feed Family’s Fear Of Unknown

Every time we drive to work, school, or church we pass the empty homes. These are the houses our friends lived in and now they were largely unkempt and vacant. The stories behind each of the foreclosures was different but the anguish at saying goodbye was identical.

I lost my job and my wife took a second low paying one. I sat in the attic sorting items to put up for sale. Our personal history included my powder blue tuxedo and my wife’s strapless wedding gown. Toys we gave are now grown children surrounded an electric breast pump. My plan to lose weight fast included several discarded exercise devices.

With three energetic boys and no daughter to inherit my gown, I no longer needed either item. We bought this house with my parents help right after I was married and pregnant with my first. It no longer mattered how we got to here from there in eleven years. What mattered is that I had no idea how to avoid losing our home.

I put the box down and picked up the phone. That was the moment I took action to avoid losing my home. I left messages for the lender holding my mortgage. I did online research and even called a local Realtor I know. She provided me with a list of helpful websites and briefed me on loan modification programs.

VA and HUD also have free counselors to determine if you qualify for loan modification programs. You may also fit a special needs category that entitles you to modified loan. Work quickly and do not waste any business days. The clock is ticking on your foreclosure.

Check out your state’s foreclosure rules. Ask about your redemption rights. No matter who you speak to or how informed they may be, make sure your speak to an experienced real estate attorney to confirm everything. You must know how many days you have to catch up on your back payments. You need to know if your auction date can be extended.

The process may vary from state to state. You need to check to determine if you have a one year right of redemption. The time period may be different and it may not apply to your state. Redemption rights should be established.

It is vital that your lender performs a loan modification agreement you can afford. If they cannot and you find no other way to rescue yourself then your home will go to auction. The bank will bid their interest and most likely own it longer than they want. Do not drive by empty houses when you could be finding a way to keep yours full of family.