Know your Options - With the economy today and the drop in value of your home in the Boca Raton area,
are you worried that you maybe facing a foreclosure with your Boca Raton Home? Before you do or don't do anything, is to educate youself on what are your options to foreclosure. Below you will a brief explanation of what is a foreclosure, short sale, reinstatement, deed in lieu, modification, etc.
Reinstatement
A reinstatement is the simplest solution for a foreclosure, however it is often the most difficult. The homeowner simply requests the total amount owed to the mortgage company to date and pays it. This solution does not require the lender's approval and will 'reinstate' a mortgage up to the day before the final foreclosure sale.
Forbearance or Repayment Plan
A forbearance or repayment plan involves the homeowner negotiating with the mortgage company to allow them to repay back payments over a period of time. The homeowner typically makes their current mortgage payment in addition to a portion of the back payments they owe.
Mortgage Modification
A mortgage modification involves the reduction of one of the following: the interest rate on the loan, the principal balance of the loan, the term of the loan, or any combination of these. These typically result in a lower payment to the homeowner and a more affordable mortgage.
Rent the Property
A homeowner who has a mortgage payment low enough that market rent will allow it to be paid, can convert their property to a rental and use the rental income to pay the mortgage.
Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure
Also known as a "friendly foreclosure," a deed-in-lieu allows the homeowner to return the property to the lender rather than go through the foreclosure process. Lender approval is required for this option, and the homeowner must also vacate the property.
Bankruptcy
Many have considered and marketed bankruptcy as a "foreclosure solution," but this is only true in some states and situations. If the homeowner has non-mortgage debts that cause a shortfall of paying their mortgage payments and a personal bankruptcy will eliminate these debts, this may be a viable solution.
Refinance
If a homeowner has sufficient equity in their property and their credit is still in good standing, they may be able to refinance their mortgage.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (military personnel only)
If a member of the military is experiencing financial distress due to deployment, and that person can show that their debt was entered into prior to deployment, they may qualify for relief under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The American Bar Association has a network of attorneys that will work with servicemembers in relation to qualifying for this relief.
Sell the Property
Homeowners with sufficient equity can list their property with a qualified agent that understands the foreclosure process in their area.
Short Sale
If a homeowner owes more on their property than it is currently worth, then they can hire a qualified real estate agent to market and sell their property through the negotiation of a short sale with their lender. This typically requires the property to be on the market and the homeowner must have a financial hardship to qualify. Hardship can be simply defined as a material change in the financial stability of the homeowner between the date of the home purchase and the date of the short sale negotiation. Acceptable hardships include but are not limited to: mortgage payment increase, job loss, divorce, excessive debt, forced or unplanned relocation, and more.
This represents only a summary of some of the solutions available to Boca Raton homeowners facing foreclosure. As a CDPE in Boca Raton contact me for an evaluation of your individual situation, property value, and possible options.
Understanding your options now could mean all the difference in the world.
As a CDPE I can help!
561-859-9926
For All Your Real Estate Needs - Eva Aliaga - Boca Raton, Delray Beach & Coral Springs, FL
Eva Aliaga is a Realtor® with Keller Williams Realty, specializing in Homes For Sale in the South Palm Beach area.
If you are looking for a Palm Beach County Realtor, call Eva for all your Southeast Florida Buying & Selling needs!
Eva Aliaga - Keller Williams Realty of Boca Raton
561-859-9926
Great and informative post, Eva. Surely your readers will appreciate this "educated" blog!
Keep up the good work!
Hi James, thanks for stopping by, all the best in the new year!
I thought I was going to lose my home six months ago when the company I had been working for closed its doors. Left me with no job and no steady source of income.