If you’ve gotten a foreclosure notice of default and want to know what the heck is going on, keep reading.
Basically, a foreclosure notice of default is a document that has to be filed by a lender to start the process of foreclosure.
The foreclosure notice of default must be sent to anyone who has an interest in the property (any other loans, lenders, or even contractors who are owed money for work done to a property will get a copy).
The foreclosure notice of default must also be published in a newspaper and physically posted in a prominent place on the property itself.
Although this can be really embarrassing to someone going through foreclosure, it’s actually a very important protection for consumers.
Back before US law required a notice of default, people were sometimes foreclosed on without any warning.
Fortunately, we have learned from our mistakes as a society and the state of IL has created many statutes to provide Chicago area homeowners with additional protections. There are several steps a lender is required to perform in order before they are able to take possession of your property.
The notice of intent to foreclose or notice of default is generally sent after you miss your third payment. At this point your lender has contacted an attorney to begin administering the foreclosure process.
Soon after receiving the notice you will personally be served by a special process server notifying you that you are requested to attend a court hearing in regards to the foreclosure action on your property.
It is very important to be responsive here and be sure to attend the court date scheduled.
Here are a few key steps you should take:
1) Stay calm and don’t panic.
This may sound obvious, but it’s probably the most important. Anyone in foreclosure is dealing with a lot of stress beyond just the property. These situations don’t happen overnight, and they take a while to solve. You’ll get through it by practicing good coping techniques and taking good care of yourself and your family. Panic leads to bad decisions, so stay cool.
2) Educate yourself.
Learn everything you can about the foreclosure process in your state so that you know what’s happening and what’s coming up next.
3) Gather your resources.
There’s also many non-profit and government resources available out there. You’ll want good legal and tax advice along the way. Definitely don’t try to do it all yourself. This stuff is super complicated with lots of rules.
4) Learn your options.
We’re here to help you avoid foreclosure. We buy houses with cash. We can help you with short sales and even rent-back situations so you (potentially) may be able to keep living in your home. There are many more options than you think.
5) Communicate.
The banks involved don’t want your property. They want money, and what you say matters a lot. You can slow down or stop the foreclosure process if you take the appropriate action.
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