It is possible to stop foreclosure once it starts, but it can be difficult. You will have time, however: In most states, the foreclosure process takes between 90 and 180 days, giving you some time to try and save your home before you are evicted. Check your state laws to see how long the foreclosure process lasts, and figure out a plan of action that might help you save your home. Remember: If you have to let something slide, it’s better to miss payments on unsecured debt rather than put your home at risk.

Option #1: Refinance the house

If you have 60% to 70% equity in your home, it is sometimes possible to refinance your home. Your mortgage, plus the missed payment amount, is paid to the bank by the refinancing institution. This requires specialty financing, and can be expensive in terms of fees in some cases. And it can be difficult in this climate to find someone willing to refinance your home.

Option #2: Pay the amount you are in arrears

Your next option is to make up all of your missed mortgage payments. This can be a daunting task. Many banks require an “all or nothing” payment to make up the entire amount you owe. Additionally, it can be even more difficult because you will have to make your current month’s mortgage payment on top of what you are behind with.

Option #3: Payment plan for the amount you owe

Another options is to negotiate a payment plan for the amount you owe. You can get a third-party to help you with this. If you can scrape together a partial payment for what you owe, you can — in some cases — arrange with your mortgage lender to set up a payment plan to cover the rest. This payment plan can be separate from your regular mortgage payment, or it can be added to your mortgage payment as part of a loan modification that extends the term length of your mortgage loan. Missing a payment under such a plan, however, can result in immediate resumption of the foreclosure process.

Option #4: Declare bankruptcy

Bankruptcy should always be the option of last resort. However, there are cases in which you can save your home by going through Chapter 13 bankruptcy — if you qualify, and if only in certain cases. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can delay a foreclosure, but you will still need to save up your money to save the house.

Look at your options and try to work with your mortgage lender and/or mortgage servicer in order to work out an agreement. Unfortunately, because loan modification or stopping foreclosure is voluntary on the part of the mortgage lender, you might not be able to do anything. But you can learn more about your options — and improve your chances of success — by visiting the HUD Web site and getting a list of approved foreclosure counselors in your state.

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Post from: EveryJoe

Stopping a Foreclosure Once It Starts