Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Advice for Homeowners That Want to Save Their Home

Facing a home foreclosure can be a very scary experience. While foreclosure laws differ from state to state, good foreclosure advice can help almost anyone in this terrible situation. In this article we will explain 5 of the most commons things you should know if you plan to stop home foreclosure and remain in your home.

Five Tips to Avoiding Home Foreclosure

1. Do Not Avoid Your Lender

It is human nature to avoid any situation we feel we are not equipped to deal with. However, if you are behind on mortgage payments and need to stop home foreclosure to remain in your home, avoiding the situation is only counterproductive. Once the foreclosure process has begun, the only thing that will stop the foreclosure process is for you to do something. If you choose to avoid your lender and do nothing to stop the foreclosure, then the foreclosure process will inevitably take your home. Stay in touch with your lender, and provide them with current and accurate contact information.

2. When You First Fall Behind on Your Mortgage Payments, Write Your Lender a Hardship Letter

Lenders are people just like you and I. If some owed you money and could not pay, you would feel much better if they communicated with you and explained their current situation and when they may be able to repay you. Lenders are no different. Many homeowners who refuse seek foreclosure advice do not realize that by writing a Hardship Letter and sending it to your lender, you may me able to delay or even avoid foreclosure. If your financial situation will be improving soon, your lender may decide to give you some additional time to catch up your payments. The best way to stop home foreclosure is to avoid foreclosure altogether.

3. Ask Your Lender if They Can Offer You About Any Foreclosure Advice or Foreclosure Alternatives

You are not the first person to fall behind on mortgage payments, and you won’t be the last. Many lenders have Workout Departments that can give free foreclosure help that can help you stop home foreclosure or avoid foreclosure altogether. Before you talk to an attorney or consider filing bankruptcy to stop foreclosure, find out if your lender can offer you free foreclosure advice and get you back on track.

4. If You Get Foreclosure Advice From a Third Party, Avoid Foreclosure Scams At All Cost

The big problem with a scam artist is that they look and sound like legitimate business people! There are more “Avoid Foreclosure” and “Pay Us To Stop Home Foreclosure” scams than ever more. As foreclosure rates rise and more and more owners seek foreclosure alternatives to help stop home foreclosure, the number of scams will only increase. The best way to avoid foreclosure scams to make sure you are dealing with a company that will at least provide an initial free consultation, references, and has been in business at least two years. Avoiding foreclosure scam artist that can ask for large amounts of money up front or promise to stop home foreclosure as soon as they receive payment can save you time and money.

5. If Possible, Keep Your Other Bills Current

There are many legitimate companies that offer financial help or loans for people in foreclosure. They can help stop home foreclosure by loaning the money you need to catch up on your mortgage payments or by refinancing your property with a new loan, thus paying of your lender and avoiding foreclosure. If you are behind on all of your bills, your credit score will most likely be too low to qualify for this type of loan, called a Foreclosure Bailout (a special type of loan designed specifically for people in foreclosure). I have seen consumers with a mortgage and several other small monthly payments (less than $20) lose their home because they stopped paying all of their bills. Avoiding foreclosure with a loan is one of the best ways to save your home, so if you can stay current on your other bills this is a viable option to stop home foreclosure and is some of the best foreclosure advice anyone can give you.