Los Angeles Real Estate Sales, Refinance & Short Sales
Attorneys in LA, San Bernardino and Riverside counties help prevent foreclosures
Financial difficulties caused by job loss, medical bills, divorce, death and other unexpected factors often leave homeowners unable to meet their monthly mortgage payments on time. Missed payments, followed by mounting late fees and penalties, can soon make catching up seem impossible. Debt, however, does not have to end in foreclosure.
Our lawyers at Advocate Legal help homeowners struggling with debt avoid foreclosure when possible. Our skilled real estate attorneys thoroughly evaluate the circumstances of your case to determine which options are available and the likely consequences of each.
Refinance
Often, homeowners can avoid foreclosure simply by negotiating for a reduced rate or refinancing with their current mortgage lender. With a refinanced loan, borrowers may be able to pay off the current mortgage completely to avoid foreclosure and obtain a lower interest rate, reducing monthly payments to a more manageable level.
Although home prices are on the rise now, many homeowners still owe more than their house is worth because of sharply declining housing prices over the past few years. Under the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), homeowners who are current on mortgage payments but are unable to refinance because of decreased home values may apply to refinance through HARP.
Sales and short sales
When the burden of a home mortgage loan becomes too great, homeowners may be able to sell the real estate before going into default. When a traditional sale is an option, homeowners may obtain a price for the home that usually exceeds what they owe the lender, allowing them to pay off the loan completely.
More often, struggling homeowners owe more on a property than it is currently worth, and a traditional sale would not allow them to pay off the debt. In these cases, experienced foreclosure attorneys and short sale specialists can negotiate with the bank for a short sale beneficial for the homeowner. In a short sale, the lender allows the homeowner to sell the property to a third party at a loss instead of pursuing foreclosure. In fact, a short sale benefits both parties — lenders obtain payment on the loans and homeowners avoid further harm to their credit. If you face a short sale, our lawyers provide comprehensive help, assisting with getting your house appraised, comparing home prices in your neighborhood and negotiating with the loan servicer and any junior lien holders.
Deed in lieu of foreclosure
A deed in lieu of foreclosure is another option, similar to a short sale. With a deed in lieu, the homeowner avoids foreclosure by signing the property over to the lender. This option is typically chosen when the loan amount greatly exceeds the home value. Unlike a short sale, the bank, instead of a third party, obtains the deed to the house.
Contact attorneys with experience in real estate matters to prevent foreclosure
When debt becomes unmanageable, our lawyers at Advocate Legal help borrowers take aggressive action to save their homes. To learn more about how we may be able to assist you with a short sale, sale or refinance, contact us online or call 800.846.0390 FREE today.