Saturday, November 21, 2009

Three Methods to Help You Stop Foreclosure on Your Home

By Adam Whazzer

Stopping a foreclosure is no easy task, but it's not impossible either. There are three methods that are commonly used to stop foreclosure: bankruptcy, refinancing and loan modification. Each of these methods tackles the problem of foreclosure from a different angle.

First, you can try stopping the foreclosure process by refinancing your mortgage. This is the process of obtaining a new loan to replace your current mortgage. If you qualify, your old lender will be paid off during the loan closing process for your refinance loan, and the foreclosure will be terminated.

Since you must qualify for a new mortgage in order to refinance your home, it makes sense that it would be easier to be approved if you start applying for a refinance loan early. In order to improve your chances, you should start applying even before you fall behind on your mortgage payments if possible. Refinancing before you get into trouble can head off a foreclosure before it starts.

You can also halt foreclosure proceedings by filing for chapter thirteen bankruptcy reorganization. This procedure can sometimes save a home from foreclosure because it allows you to come up with a plan for paying off your debts that creditors must go along with. However, when you file for bankruptcy, it can stay on your credit report for ten years.

If your concern is more for remaining in your current home than keeping your credit report from getting too filled up with negatives, this solution might be right for you. You should talk about your situation with a qualified bankruptcy attorney who has plenty of experience representing people who are going through foreclosure. You may be able to get a free consultation so that you don't have to pay the attorney unless you go through with the bankruptcy.

The third way to stop foreclosure is to work out a loan modification with your lender. You have to time things just right in order to be able to do a loan modification. Most banks will not consider a loan modification if your payments are still current, no matter how hard it is for you to pay them. They also won't work with you if the foreclosure process is too far along.

If you are considering a loan modification, it can be helpful to have an expert walk you through the process. There are also books available that provide copies of the forms that are frequently used for loan modifications, along with instructions on how to fill them out.

Hopefully, one of these three methods will help you stop the foreclosure on your house so that you can remain in your home. Research all of the methods carefully to determine whether they will help you with your situation. Each method has its own set of risks, and only you can decide which course of action to take.

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