“I’m behind in payments…will I be giving my house back to the bank in Atlanta?”
Nobody wants to lose their home. But sometimes financial circumstances turn against you, making those financial commitments too much to manage. If your situation progresses too far, you might worry about avoiding foreclosure in Atlanta. Understanding the steps to take can help you navigate this difficult time.
If your situation progresses too far, you may be forced into the unfortunate situation of having to give your house back to the bank in Atlanta, GA, leaving you temporarily without a place to stay. In addition, there may be long-term consequences, including a dramatic and long-lasting impact on your credit (and your ability to get a house in the future).
No one wants that. That’s not an ideal outcome. Fortunately, there is a strategy you can take today to help you proactively protect yourself and get back on track to financial solvency.
Understanding the Foreclosure Process
The foreclosure process can vary depending on location and the type of mortgage you have.
Initial Missed Payments
Usually, if you miss a few mortgage payments, your loan company will start sending you notifications and warnings. Over time, if you fail to pay back the missed mortgage payments, the loan company may put your home up for public auction.
Auction and Eviction
How long you can stay in your house after it is sold at auction depends on the state where you live. At some point, however, you will need to find a new place to stay.
Options for Avoiding Foreclosure
If you wait until your home is foreclosed, it can have a devastating effect on your credit rating. One option to protect yourself is to work out an arrangement with the loan company called a “deed in lieu of foreclosure.”
Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure
This is when you hand over ownership of the house to the loan company so that they save the money they would spend on foreclosure proceedings, which can be significant. And you get to avoid having a foreclosure listed on your credit rating.
Selling Your Home Before Foreclosure
You can also avoid foreclosure by selling your house before it’s lost at the auction. If your loan is paid in full, there will be no more penalties against you and your credit rating. (If your loan isn’t paid in full, you will need to make up the shortfall.)
Here’s an example: Let’s say you owed $100,000 on your home, and you sold your home to us for $90,000. You would give that money to the loan company, along with $10,000 to make up the shortfall, and your loan would be paid off. (If you contact a real estate attorney, you may be able to negotiate a deed in lieu of foreclosure deal in which the loan company agrees not to go after the difference in exchange for the deed to the house.)
At We Buy Houses in Atlanta GA, we’re professional real estate investors. Contact us today at (470) 369-5727 to find out what we can offer you for your house — even if it needs repairs.
The Benefits of Selling to Avoiding Foreclosure
Why do people choose to sell their home instead of going through foreclosure? (After all, they still don’t live in their home anymore.)
Credit Impact
Losing a home can be difficult, but the impact on your financial situation and your credit is considerably less than if you simply wait out the foreclosure process. In fact, going through foreclosure could impact your credit score by as much as 100 to 150 points. So, the short-term challenge of selling your house is still a better choice than the long-term pain of giving your house back to the bank.
Financial Stability
Selling your home before foreclosure can help you regain financial stability much faster. By paying off your mortgage, you avoid additional penalties and can start rebuilding your credit sooner. This proactive approach can save you from years of financial hardship.
Practical Steps to Avoiding Foreclosure
If you’re facing foreclosure, here are some practical steps you can take to protect your home and financial future:
- Communicate with Your Lender: As soon as you realize you’re having trouble making payments, contact your lender. They may offer solutions like loan modifications or temporary payment reductions.
- Seek Professional Help: Consult a real estate attorney or a foreclosure prevention counselor. They can provide guidance and help you understand your rights and options.
- Explore Refinancing: If you have equity in your home, refinancing might be an option to lower your monthly payments.
- Consider a Short Sale: If your home is worth less than you owe, a short sale allows you to sell your home for less than the remaining mortgage balance with the lender’s approval.
- Budget and Cut Costs: Review your finances to identify areas where you can cut costs and redirect those savings towards your mortgage payments.
- Sell to an Investor: Companies like We Buy Houses in Atlanta GA specialize in buying homes quickly, even if they need repairs. This can be a fast solution to avoid foreclosure and move on with your life.
Take Control of Your Situation
Facing the possibility of foreclosure can be overwhelming, but you have options. By taking proactive steps and exploring all available alternatives, you can avoid giving your house back to the bank in Atlanta. Remember, the goal is to protect your credit and financial future, so act now to avoid the long-term consequences of foreclosure.
Interested in learning more about avoiding foreclosure in Atlanta? Contact us today at (470) 369-5727 or fill out the form to get more information. We’re here to help you find the best solution for your situation.
By understanding your options and taking decisive action, you can navigate this challenging time and come out stronger on the other side. Avoiding foreclosure is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone.
