Foreclosure: How it Works

By Mitchell Sussman


With the collapse of the real estate market, the word "foreclosure" has unfortunately become an often used word in the English language. This article will provide information about the types of foreclosures found in various states and how they work.

As we know it today, foreclosure is the process by which a homeowner will lose his or her home to their lender. Just like the repossession of a car or furniture when the borrower does not pay, foreclosure allows the real property lender to take back the property if the homeowner falls behind on his or her payments.

The bank that made the loan to you for your house can do this because as part of its agreement to loan money to the borrower, the lender is granted a lien by the homeowner which the bank can enforce should the homeowner refuse or be unable to pay.

The most often used form of foreclosure is known as a "non - judicial" foreclosure. This form of foreclosure is pursuant to the provisions of the power of sale clause contained in a mortgage or deed of trust. It has become the most popular type of foreclosure because unlike a "judicial" foreclosure no judicial proceeding is required. In California, virtually all foreclosures are of the "non - judicial" variety because it takes little time and money to take back the property.

As mentioned above, a "non - judicial" foreclosure process involves the sale of the property without court supervision. It is faster and cheaper than foreclosure by court order and unless stopped voluntarily by agreement, bankruptcy stay or court a ordered stay, can take less than six months.

The " non - judicial" foreclosure has a variety of steps that culminate in a trustee's sale. At the trustee's sale the property will be auctioned to the highest bidder. Should bids not be forthcoming the property will revert back to the lender whose loan is in default. If there are bidders, the foreclosing lender can keep the proceeds to pay off its mortgage and any legal costs. Any amounts in excess of the lender's loan will be used to pay off junior or subordinate liens. Should there be a balance after the payment of all liens it will be paid over to the borrower.

Foreclosure by court action, more commonly known as a "judicial foreclosure," is available in every state and required by some. This involves a lawsuit in which the lender asks for a sale of the real property under the supervision of a court. As with other court proceedings, the constitutional dictates of "due process" permit the borrower to answer the foreclosure lawsuit and raise a variety of legal defenses. At the conclusion of the foreclosure lawsuit a decision is made by the court in favor of either the lender or borrower. Should the lender prevail, the property is sold and like with the more common "non- judicial" foreclosure the proceeds go first to satisfy the foreclosing lender; then other lien holders; and, finally, the mortgagor/borrower if any proceeds are left.

More information about foreclosure can be found at http://www.palmspringslitigationattorney.com




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