Foreclosure Attorneys at Gilbert & Smallman Offer Real Options
As recently reported in the Jacksonville Business Journal, a study conducted by RealtyTrac found that Florida had the 5th largest foreclosure rate in the first half of 2012, and also noted that “Florida cities accounted for eight of the 20 highest metro foreclosure rates”:
- Miami is at number 5, with 3.71% of housing unit foreclosure filings
- Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville at number 6, with 3.60%
- Orlando at number 8, with 3.46%
- Tampa at number 12, with 3.22%
- Lakeland at number 13, with 3.17%
- Jacksonville at number 14, with 3.14 %
- Cape Coral-Fort Myers at number 18, with 3.08%
Do you remember the day you signed the final papers to buy your home? The last thing you ever considered was the possibility of losing your home. Foreclosure is a reality that no one ever wants to face. But these circumstances do not just happen overnight; there are definite life changes and financial warning signs that can push you toward foreclosure.
- Loss of employment or a decrease in work hours
- Divorce
- Death of a spouse
- Inability to pay your monthly bills
- Using credit cards for everyday living expenses
- Paying only the minimum balance on your credit cards each month
When examining the list above, there are some aspects of your finances that are completely out of your control, like losing your job, getting a decrease in your work hours, divorce, or death of a spouse. The key to success, therefore, lies in the factors which you can exercise some control over. Because people often respond out of fear and feeling overwhelmed by the situation, here are some tips to help make the process easier to get through.
- Don’t Ignore Calls From Lenders and/or Bill Collectors. You might be tempted to ignore the calls, hoping that the problem will just go away. Face them head on, be honest about your situation, and inform them of the steps you are taking.
- Try To Negotiate. It is tempting to just give up, thinking that there are no options. But there have been many situations where the bank is willing to renegotiate the terms and payment for your house, which could save you from foreclosure.
- Have A Savings. If you are already in the process of foreclosure, utilize the money that would have gone to the mortgage and place it in a savings account. You will need a cushion as you begin looking for a new place to live and the expenses that often accompany a move.
- Don’t Neglect Your Home. Whether out of exhaustion or even anger toward the bank or other lenders, it is common for homeowners to just completely disregard any care for the home they’re losing. There’s also the temptation to go as far as destroying the house because of your own hurt and frustration. This is not a wise approach.
- Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help. There are many organizations in the business of offering financial counseling and options for people facing foreclosure. There’s no need for you to walk this journey alone.
- Get Free Legal Consultation. There are numerous legal issues that go along with any foreclosure situation, and there are many law firms who would be happy to charge you just to assess your situation.
At the law offices of Gilbert and Smallman, we understand the complexities of such financial struggles and we strive to put ourselves in your shoes. Contact us today by email or by phone at (786)371-4431 to set up your free consultation so we can hear the specific challenges you are facing. Our job is to speak and work on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are being defended and preserved throughout this process. Let today be a new beginning, in spite of how bleak your situation may look.
We can help you overcome the giant obstacles staring you in the face.
We can help you overcome the giant obstacles staring you in the face.
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