How Does a Person Go Into Foreclosure?

If you are facing foreclosure there are probably many questions that are racing through your mind. One of the most frequently asked questions are how a person actually enters into foreclosure. Foreclosures do not start from the first missed payment. There really is no definitive answer as to when foreclosure starts as it is dependent on your state and your mortgage terms. In general most lenders will start foreclosure proceedings after your third missed payment. At this point most mortgage companies will not accept a partial payment; they will only accept payment in full for all of the missed payments plus late fees and any legal fees that may have been assessed.

After foreclosure proceedings start you will be given several notices as to what stage you are in the process. You will also be called daily from your mortgage company. The initial reaction is to ignore the call; however that is the worst thing that you can do. Mortgage companies hate foreclosures and when they call they are probably trying to help you figure out a solution.

Generally after six months of non-payment they lender will schedule an auction or sheriffs sale. The date of the sale will mark the date of the redemption period. Your redemption period is different from state to state. For example Minnesota has a redemption period of six months. If you do have to go through a foreclosure you should definitely take advantage of the redemption period. During this time you will be able to stay in the house rent free. This will give you time to save money and look for alternate housing. Also if the property is being rented you can still collect rent from your tenants during this period. At the end of the redemption period you will be evicted and any of your belongings that are still in the house will be processed and brought to police storage, which you will have to pay to get out.

There are many other options to foreclosure. A foreclosure on your record will damage your credit report and will limit your ability to purchase a home in the future. There are many foreclosure assistance companies that can help through this tough time period. They will help you talk to your mortgage company and go through your finances to help you devise a plan so that you can save your house, and your credit score.