With millions of homes across the country going into foreclosure, it’s crucial for both potential buyers and current mortgage holders to thoroughly understand the foreclosure process. This knowledge can help them make informed decisions, navigate the complexities of the real estate market, and possibly find ways to avoid foreclosure or take advantage of opportunities that arise during such challenging times
So what is a pre-foreclosure in Boston anyway?
Many homeowners across America and Boston are facing difficulties making their monthly mortgage payments. The reasons for these financial hardships can vary widely, including loss of employment, unexpected medical expenses, or other financial emergencies. When a homeowner misses 3-6 months of mortgage payments, the lending institution will issue a warning, notifying the homeowner to pay or lose their home. This period is known as pre-foreclosure.
During the pre-foreclosure period, homeowners are under significant stress as they try to figure out how to manage their financial situation. Banks and mortgage lenders typically provide three months for the homeowner to become current on their payments. However, this number can vary by bank and situation, and in some cases, lenders may offer more time depending on the homeowner’s circumstances and their communication with the lender.
If a homeowner fails to make the necessary payments within the allotted time, the bank will proceed with foreclosure on the home, assuming ownership, and evicting the homeowner. This is a distressing outcome for any homeowner, but thankfully, during this stage of the foreclosure process, a mortgage holder has the opportunity to take advantage of several options to prevent losing their home. These options can include loan modifications, refinancing, or selling the home to pay off the mortgage. Understanding these options and acting quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome for homeowners facing pre-foreclosure.
Pre-foreclosure Options for Borrowers
If you’re behind on mortgage payments, you’re likely to receive a “notice of default” from your mortgage lender. This formal document serves as an official notification indicating that you have failed to make the required mortgage payments for a period ranging from 90 to 180 days.
Receiving such a notice can be alarming, but it’s important not to panic. Instead, take a deep breath and consider your options carefully. This notice is a critical reminder that immediate action is necessary to address the situation, and there are steps you can take to potentially remedy the default and protect your home.
You have options that can delay or even prevent losing your home:
- If your mortgage is “above water,” (meaning you have equity in your house) you may be able to refinance your mortgage, receiving lower monthly payments. Check with your local Boston mortgage broker… or contact us and we can connect you with a reputable one.
- You may be able to quickly sell your home to a real estate investor that’s reputable in Boston like us at Gaeta Properties, using the cash acquired to pay the months of back-payments owed (or we *may* be able to work out something with the lender that relieves all or part of your back payments.We can buy your Boston MA area home quickly, often in just a week or two, will pay in cash, and takes the stress out of trying to find a buyer.
- You can contact the bank and ask them to permit a short sale. In a short sale, you’ll sell your home for less than it’s worth, and the bank will take the loss as a tax write-off. In some short sales you may still be required to pay the difference to the bank if the house doesn’t sell for what is owed on the loan.
- You may be able to declare bankruptcy, which can buy you time to pay your debt. Bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for years, and can cause significant damage.
Lenders are very much aware of the widespread financial troubles across the country, and they’re often willing to work with borrowers to find a solution that benefits both parties. This awareness stems from the understanding that financial hardships can affect anyone and that working together can be mutually beneficial.
If you’re honest and communicate openly with your lender, you’ll often discover that there are various options available to help you remain in your home or, at the very least, salvage your credit rating. These options can include loan modifications, repayment plans, or even temporary forbearance. By keeping an open line of communication, you can explore these possibilities and find a solution tailored to your specific situation.
It is important to understand the severe consequences a foreclosure can have on your financial future. A foreclosure can often negatively affect your credit score by 200-400 points and can prevent you from obtaining a loan of any sort for 5-7 years. This can make it difficult to purchase a home, secure a car loan, or even open new lines of credit. Therefore, it is crucial to be very dutiful if you’ve received a Notice of Default from your lender. Taking immediate action and seeking assistance can help mitigate these long-term impacts.
However, if you’re not able to find a solution by working directly with your lender, don’t lose hope. There are other avenues you can explore to get the help you need. Connect with us and we may be able to help. Our team is experienced in dealing with such situations and can offer guidance and support to find a viable solution. Whether it’s negotiating with your lender on your behalf or exploring alternative options, we are here to assist you in navigating these challenging times.
Ways We Can Help If You’re In Pre-Foreclosure
- We can potentially help with a short sale – Submit your information on this website so that we can thoroughly evaluate your unique situation. Our team will carefully review your details to determine if we can provide the assistance you need. By understanding your specific circumstances, we aim to offer you the most effective solutions possible.
- We can buy your Boston area house – We buy houses in Boston and would love to make you an all-cash offer on your house too. Whether your house needs repairs, you are facing foreclosure, or you simply need to sell quickly, we are here to help. Our process is simple and hassle-free, ensuring a smooth transaction from start to finish. Just fill out the form here to get started and one of our representatives will reach out to you shortly to discuss the details and provide you with a fair, no-obligation cash offer. Don’t wait, take the first step towards selling your house today >>
- You can ask us questions and we can provide you FREE guidance and resources to help you make a well-informed and educated decision. This service is completely free of charge and comes with no hidden costs. There’s absolutely no pressure or obligation on your part. You are free to take your time and explore your options with our support. We are here to offer you reliable and trustworthy guidance, and there’s no catch involved—just free assistance to help you make the best choice possible.
If you’re in the pre-foreclosure stage… you’ve still got time to fix this situation.
Just connect with your bank to see if they’re willing to work with you… or contact us if you’d like to see what we can buy your house for or to tap into our free foreclosure foreclosure resources.