Ask the ExpertForeclosure I have not been able to pay my mortgage due to illness and now the mortgage company has filed for foreclosure. I entered into a forbearance agreement with them, submitted all of the paperwork along with a payment. The forbearance agreement was broken and foreclosure is imminent (sic). Is chapter l3 bankruptcy my only option?
You have a certain amount of time (depending on local governing laws) to make up the past-due mortgage payments and thus prevent the foreclosure from completing. However, if the payments are not made up, there is not too much more you can do.
Contact an attorney immediately to find out if a Chapter 13 would save the property. Another potential option is a "Deed-in-lieu of Foreclosure." Basically, you would voluntarily surrender the deed to the property and leave on your own accord. That may help (and prevent) the auction, but you may still be held liable for certain fees and past-owed monies.Back to Ask the Expert
My lender has informed me that my house will soon be up for foreclosure. Due to job layoffs, my husband and I have not been able to submit full payment on our mortgage. I don't know what to do. I do NOT want to lose my new home if at all possible.
It would be in your best interest to contact us immediately to analyze your situation. This service is free of charge.
Also, you need to contact your lender if you haven't already done so. Tell them about your situation and find out if they have any special hardship programs for you. How much money is past due? Try to bring your account current if possible. If your lender agrees to a plan for bringing your account current, put as much money as possible toward your mortgage each month until it is current. If you are short on money, consider borrowing from a friend or family member or checking with local social service agencies to see if they have foreclosure mitigation assistance money available.
If you have a pending sheriff's sale, contact an attorney and explore the legal options for saving your home.
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