Alternatives to Foreclosures

Many people fall behind on their mortgages and assume they're headed for foreclosure. That need not be the case. There are many alternatives much less damaging to your credit than foreclosure. Check out your options below. Try to look at the situation without attaching your emotions. If viewing the situation from a strictly business viewpoint, you can more successfully analyze which option might best suit your needs and desires and move you towards resolving your financial difficulty. One very important thing to remember: Time is of the essence, so sit and take serious thought of your situation and take quick action in order to allow yourself enough time to complete the chosen process. Nine options when facing foreclosure:  

1. Do Nothing – If a homeowner does nothing, they most likely will lose their home at foreclosure auction. Loan applications generally ask if the applicant has ever been foreclosed upon. Credit reports also disclose this damaging information.  

2. Payoff/Refinance – Completely paying off the entire loan amount plus any default amount and fees. Usually this is accomplished through a refinance of the debt. New debt is at a normally higher interest rate and there may be a prepayment penalty because of the recent default. With this option, there should be equity in the home.  

3. Reinstatement – Paying the entire default amount plus interest, attorney fees, late fees, taxes, missed payments and fees.  

4. Loan Modification – Utilizing the existing mortgage company to refinance the debt or extend the terms of the loan. This may allow the homeowner to catch up at a more affordable level. To qualify, you must prove to the lender you have fixed the problem that caused the late payment.  

5. Forbearance – Lender may be able to arrange a repayment plan based on the homeowner’s financial situation. The lender may even be able to provide a temporary payment reduction or suspension of payments. Information will be required from the lender to show that you are able to meet the new payment plan requirements.  

6. Partial Claim – A loan from the lender for a 2nd loan to include back payments, costs and fees. 

 7. Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure – Give the property back to the bank instead of the bank foreclosing. Banks generally require the home be well maintained, all mortgage payment and taxes must be current. Most loan applications ask if this has ever happened.  

8.Bankruptcy – This option can liquidate debt and/or allow more time. Florida Regional recommends you contact a qualified bankruptcy attorney.  --Chapter 7 (Liquidation) To completely settle personal debt.  --Chapter 13 (Wage Earner Plan) Payments are made toward a plan to pay off debts in 3-5 years.  --Chapter 11 (Business Reorganization) A business debt solution.  

9. Sale – If the property has equity (money left over after all loans and monetary encumbrances are paid). The homeowner may sell the home without lender approval through a conventional home sale. In this case, the homeowner will get cash from the sale. On the other hand, if what is owed is MORE than the property’s value, a Short Sale, also known as a pre-foreclosure sale, can be negotiated with your lender by a real estate professional provided your agent has short sale experience. While this option is much less damaging to your credit, consult your agent in regards to your particular situation.  

Florida Law requires the following disclosure be displayed when any advertising of short sales services is done by a licensed real estate agent/brokerage. 

MARS Disclosure for General Commercial Communications

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Florida Regional Realty Corp. is not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit.  

General Commercial Communication: means any written or oral statement, illustration, or depiction, whether in English or any other language, that is designed to effect a sale or create interest in purchasing any service, plan, or program, whether it appears on or in a label, package, package insert, radio, television, cable television, brochure, newspaper, magazine, pamphlet, leaflet, circular, mailer, book insert, free standing insert, letter, catalogue, poster, chart, billboard, public transit card, point of purchase display, film, slide, audio program transmitted over a telephone system, telemarketing script, onhold script, upsell script, training materials provided to telemarketing firms, program length commercial (“infomercial”), the Internet, cellular network, or any other medium. Promotional materials and items and Web pages are included in the term “commercial communication.”