Anytime a homeowner runs into financial trouble dire consequences can enter into the equation. That is especially true when it comes to foreclosure in Kansas City of the home that was used to secure the debt owed to the lender who is now foreclosing to get title to the property back.
However, there are several methods that homeowners in financial distress can use to stop foreclosure fast.
Some methods require money, while others require agreement to forgo money by the lender or through the court system.
5 Steps to Stop Foreclosure in Kansas City
Step 1: Don’t Panic.
Most households have a surprising array of assets that can be used to make payments and delay foreclosure. Unemployment insurance, disability insurance and savings are each potential cash sources. Household budgets can be slashed. Big, expensive cars can be traded in for cash. Retirement funds are often available — but be aware that withdrawals may result in penalties and additional income taxes.
Step 2: Late And Missed Payments.
If problems cannot be delayed or deferred, and if mortgage payments will be late or unpaid, then you need to contact the lender as soon as possible.
At this point your goal is to help the lender create a “workout” agreement that effectively modifies your mortgage so that the foreclosure can be stopped before going to completion.
Step 3: Look At Options.
Once you enter into discussions with a lender or a “servicer” — the company that services the loan for an investor — any number of options are open. While lenders are typically NOT required to modify loan arrangements, many will. The usual choices include:
- Loan Modification : This option should be considered when the borrower experiences difficulty making regular mortgage payments as a result of a permanent or long-term financial hardship. Reducing an above-market interest rate to a market rate and/or by extending the original terms of the note may enable the borrower to continue making payments.
- Repayment plans: Say you must miss a payment and that each payment is $1,000. With a repayment plan you might pay $1,075 a month until the missing money is repaid.
- Reinstatement: Imagine you missed two or three monthly payments. With a reinstatement, or what is also known as a “temporary indulgence,” you bring your loan current, pay late fees and other costs, and the loan continues as before.
- FHA loans: If you financed with a loan guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, call 1-800-569-4287 or 1-800-877-8339 (TDD) to reach a HUD-approved housing counseling agency for assistance and advice.
- Forbearance: This is a temporary change in mortgage terms, such as the right to skip a payment or make smaller payments for a year or less.
- Private mortgage insurers. Mortgage insurance companies typically require lenders to begin foreclosure proceedings once a delinquency reaches 150 days or when a sixth missed payment is due. However, such requirements may be waived in areas impacted by natural disasters and for other reasons.
- Claim advance: If you bought with less than 20 percent down then either the loan is self-insured by the lender or you have private mortgage insurance (PMI). In some cases PMI companies will provide a cash advance to bring the loan current — money which is sometimes interest free and need not be repaid for several years.
- Re-amortization: In this case your missed payment is added to the loan balance. This brings your account current.
- Deed in Lieu: The deed-in-lieu would allow you to sign over legal ownership to your home for the lender’s agreement not to foreclose.
- Short sale: An arrangement where the lender accepts less than the mortgage debt in satisfaction for the entire loan amount.
- Bankruptcy: When all other options are exhausted many homeowners consider bankruptcy as a last resort to save their home. Unfortunately, in most cases bankruptcy only delays the inevitable; in the worst case it can actually speedup the process.
Step 4: Refinance The Loan.
If you have a loan where soaring payments are a certainty, don’t wait to refinance. Do it now while you have a strong credit profile and no missed payments.
Step 5: Sell The Property.
In some situations there is no workout or refinancing option which can save a property. If a job is lost, medical payments are overwhelming, or mortgage payments are rising to the point of bankruptcy the only plausible choice may be to sell the property.
If the situation is getting worse every month, you have to protect your interests and sell the property. This is a hard choice but if you sell your Kansas City home before foreclosure you will get a better price for the property and preserve your credit standing.
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