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Can you stop foreclosure with a deed in lieu?

Confronting foreclosure can be overwhelming, but there are strategies available to prevent it. One such strategy is a deed in lieu of foreclosure, where you voluntarily transfer ownership of your property to the lender in exchange for the cancellation of your mortgage. In this post, we’ll explain how this process works and whether it might be the right solution for you. What is a deed in lieu of foreclosure? A deed in lieu of foreclosure is a formal agreement in which the homeowner relinquishes the

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How can homeowners identify foreclosure prevention scams?

Foreclosure can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Scammers take advantage of homeowners in difficult situations by offering false promises of relief. Knowing the warning signs of foreclosure scams can help homeowners avoid losing money and making their financial situation worse. Common foreclosure scam tactics Scammers use deceptive tactics to trick homeowners. Some claim to have direct connections with lenders and government programs. Others offer guarantees to stop foreclosure for an upfront fee. Some scammers pose as legal professionals and ask homeowners to sign over

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Is a short sale the right option for preventing foreclosure?

Facing the possibility of foreclosure can be overwhelming for homeowners. One potential solution is a short sale, where the lender agrees to accept less than the remaining mortgage balance for the property. While this option can help homeowners avoid foreclosure, it is essential to understand its benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the benefits of a short sale A short sale allows homeowners to avoid the damaging effects of foreclosure on their credit. Although a short sale still impacts credit scores, it is generally less severe than

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The pros and cons of short sales

A short sale happens when a homeowner sells their property for less than the amount owed on the mortgage. This process can help in certain situations, but it also has drawbacks. Short sales typically occur when homeowners cannot keep up with their mortgage payments. Selling their property at a lower price allows homeowners to avoid foreclosure.  While pursuing a short sale might seem simple, it has advantages and disadvantages. Homeowners should be aware of potential consequences and make this decision carefully. The advantages of short

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Is mortgage deferment different from forbearance?

Missing a few mortgage payments does not mean you will automatically lose your home, but you should consider steps to get back on track with your mortgage. Fortunately, many lenders understand their clients sometimes run into financial problems and offer forbearance programs to help them out. You may have heard of mortgage deferment. Sometimes people use this term and forbearance interchangeably, but deferment is actually distinguishable from forbearance. How forbearance and deferment contrast Forbearance allows homeowners to temporarily pause or reduce their monthly mortgage payments.

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Signs of a foreclosure rescue scam

Recognizing the signs of a foreclosure scam helps homeowners facing financial difficulties and potential foreclosure proceedings. Scammers often prey on vulnerable individuals. They may do so by offering false promises of foreclosure prevention or relief in exchange for upfront fees or personal information. By understanding the common tactics used in foreclosure scams, homeowners can protect themselves from fraudulent schemes. Pressure to act A common sign of a foreclosure scam is pressure tactics. Scammers may use high-pressure sales tactics to save the home from foreclosure. For

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Options when you need help making your home loan payment

Sometimes, you need help keeping up with your home loan payments. The good news is that you have available legal options to find a solution that fits your financial situation. Loan modification Renegotiating our existing home loan can make it more manageable. This process could include reducing the interest rate and extending the loan term or principal forbearance. To pursue a loan modification, contact your loan servicer when you foresee difficulties meeting your payment obligations. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your financial situation

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Take action to avoid foreclosure

Owning a home is a significant achievement, but you risk losing your residence if you experience financial difficulties. The state of Maryland has strict laws regarding foreclosure procedures. According to the Maryland Department of Labor, the number of foreclosures has been increasing. As of November 30, 2023, the department received over 61,000 new Notices of Foreclosure. Take simple steps to reduce your risk of the lender taking action. Communicate with your bank Lenders want to work with you to keep you in your home. Contact

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Foreclosure prevention options

In the first quarter of 2022, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development reported an increase in foreclosures over the previous quarter of 32.8%. This is bad news for homeowners, especially if they are struggling to make ends meet. If you get notice of an impending foreclosure, you can find ways to stop it. Foreclosure prevention may involve taking some serious steps, but you have options to help you keep your home. Mediation Mediation involves you and your lender coming together with a neutral

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Be cautious about foreclosure scams

When facing a foreclosure, you may be willing to try anything to avoid losing your home. While there are plenty of good steps you can take, there are also scams that will leave you in worse shape. Fraudulent foreclosure services will take your money and not offer you any help. There are signs to watch for that signal something is a scam. Collection of fees upfront You should never pay for any type of foreclosure assistance upfront. Maryland law makes this illegal. You should never

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