3 Things to Do to Avoid Foreclosure

If you are a homeowner struggling to pay the mortgage, it is important to be proactive to avoid foreclosure. Being proactive includes contacting the lender to discuss loan modification options, understanding local foreclosure procedures, and more. If you are at risk of foreclosure, here are a few preventive actions you can take.

1. Loan Modification

You can opt to refinance your mortgage loan or extend the loan term to avoid an imminent foreclosure. The lender can modify the loan by adding past dues to the outstanding loan balance and recalculate the repayment term or lower interest rates for a short period. Some lenders offer to reduce the unpaid principal balance, while others will be willing to extend the loan term.

Unlike mortgage refinancing, where the old loan is replaced with a new loan, modification only involves changing your current loan terms. While refinancing requires underwriting and closing costs, a loan modification can be done at no extra cost.

However, you have to convince the lender that the problem is temporary and that there are no other feasible options available. Similarly, lenders do not offer loan modifications to people they consider high-risk borrowers. Also, to qualify for the forbearance program, you must be in imminent default. An imminent default means you’re either expecting to fall behind on a mortgage payment in the next 90 days or are already 60 or more days delinquent.

2. Short Sale

A short sale is where you sell the house for less than the outstanding balance while the lender forgives the remaining debt. While this was common during the mortgage crisis, it is not generally available to most homeowners now.

Also, there are a few challenges when opting for a short sale. The lender must agree to a short sale. Secondly, you have to find a buyer who is willing to buy the house in its current condition. Also, the process can be lengthy and complicated.

3. Selling the House to a Cash Home Buyer

As leading cash home buyers in Milwaukee, we have purchased hundreds of distressed properties. We buy houses in Milwaukee as-is, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning, presale and after-sale repairs, or renovations. We even purchased hoarder’s homes and properties haven’t been updated since the 1960s.

Since we buy the house for cash, you don’t have to worry about lender approvals or other issues. We can also work closely with your mortgage lender to create a win-win solution for everyone involved. From offer to closing, the entire process can be completed in less than a week.

Do you need to sell your house fast in Milwaukee? Contact us! We’ll make a fair, free offer in less than 24 hours.

Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer is a local family owned business. We buy houses in Milwaukee in ‘as is condition’ and promise to close the sale in 2 weeks (sometimes even less).