An Introduction to Foreclosure and Bankruptcy

Foreclosure and bankruptcy laws are quite similar in their scope. A foreclosure is when the bank or mortgage lender for an individual's mortgage auctions off the individual's home when mortgage payments aren't being made usually. Similar to a bankruptcy, a foreclosure is a way of saying that the individual is unable to pay for the mortgage on their home or property. However, there are some significant differences between declaring bankruptcy and a foreclosure. While bankruptcy is an individual's private legal action toward their own debt, a foreclosure comes from the mortgage lender. There are only a few options to get out of a foreclosure while there are many during an individual's bankruptcy period. For example, federal law stipulates that once someone certifies bankruptcy, the harassment that may come from creditors through letters or telephone call cease.

However, just declaring bankruptcy gives the individual no protection against a foreclosure. A foreclosure needs to be looked at as a payment that needs to be repaid no matter what. If you are in an unfortunate, short term financial position, then the individual should seriously look at paying mortgage payments at all costs. Another way to look at the differences is that bankruptcy law only helps with the personal finances of the individual and helps mitigate a relationship between the individual, the federal government, and the creditors involved. A foreclosure is a legal motion from the mortgage lender and if the individual doesn't pay the mortgage with its possible interest, then the foreclosure will go on as planned. If anything, declaring bankruptcy can help pay an individual's mortgage just in the form of added savings and income from less debt. Depending on the type of bankruptcy declared, the individual may have more money to utilize for their mortgage payments.

Whether they gave up possessions through Chapter 7 bankruptcy or created a managed payment plan through Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a mortgage lender will still demand the money owed to them. Arguably, declaring Chapter 13 bankruptcy is probably the best policy, since Chapter 7 bankruptcy may declare assets, such as your home, to be repossessed. It is critical to note that certain states have laws protecting individuals from having their houses repossessed during a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Nevertheless, by declaring Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the individual might be able to have the cash to help refrain from foreclosure. Although there are major differences, bankruptcy and foreclosure necessitate a relationship be made between the borrower and the lender. For example, endless communication with your mortgage lender is always preferred so that all channels and payment choices can be on the table. Mortgage moneylenders are often open to payment plan options that may be agreed upon by you and the mortgage lender. The option of refinancing your house is another alternative route so that the interest rate on your mortgage could be lowered. One of the most radical options to avoiding a foreclosure is selling the home, possibly through a short sale. This may fully settle your debt with the mortgage lender.

Bankruptcy laws and foreclosure have similarities between them. However, it is crucial to retain in mind the differences between the two. This will help an individual reassess their financial position.

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