Foreclosure Defense Lawyer in Washington, DC
Despite their best efforts and intentions, a homeowner may fall behind in making their mortgage payments in Washington, DC – maybe they lost their job or are facing a major illness. When this happens, their mortgage lender may take steps to foreclose on the property and sell it to regain the money they are owed.
At the Law Office of Alfredo Vasquez, our real estate lawyer in Washington, DC understands the worries and frustrations many homeowners face when there is a foreclosure looming. We will work with your interests in mind and use our resources strategically. Contact us today at (202) 525-7710 to schedule a consultation.
What Happens During a Foreclosure in Washington, DC?
Foreclosure is an action a lender goes through to gain title to a home on which they currently have a mortgage. This action is taken when the mortgagor has failed for a few months to make their payments. In some states, the process is a judicial one and the lender must go through the court system to foreclose. In other states, the process is administrative, and a lender may be able to foreclose without involving the courts. In most cases, you must be a minimum of 120 days delinquent in order for a lender to initiate foreclosure proceedings. This is why it is imperative you contact a real estate attorney in Washington, DC to understand your rights and to gain insight into what you may encounter throughout the foreclosure process.
In a judicial foreclosure, the lender (mortgagee) will file a suit against the homeowner (mortgagor) in the appropriate civil court. The mortgagee typically has a specified amount of time to respond, and a hearing may be held regarding the foreclosure action. The parties may be able to come to some sort of agreement at this point. If an agreement is not made and the court finds that the foreclosure is appropriate, a judgment for foreclosure will be entered. The property will then be sold at a public auction. If the sale does not bring enough money to repay the loan amount that was borrowed, the lender may seek a deficiency judgment against the mortgagor. The process, from start to finish, can take months.
In a non-judicial foreclosure, the process is very different from state to state. Generally, a foreclosure trustee assists with the foreclosure. The foreclosure trustee is a neutral third party, and this process is much more expedient than a judicial foreclosure.
Do You Need a Foreclosure Lawyer in Washington, DC?
Because foreclosures vary so much from state to state, and because you are facing the possible loss of your home, it is a good idea to seek counsel from a foreclosure attorney that understands the process. They can help you navigate the foreclosure while minimizing your losses.
Other instances where a foreclosure defense lawyer is most beneficial include situations where:
- You have a loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which may qualify you for additional aid to help you keep your home
- You are an active or former military service member, which may qualify you for protection under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
- You want to keep your home but your legal options are limited, in which case a lawyer may be able to negotiate with the lender a positive outcome for you
- You think you have a valid defense, in which case a lawyer may be able to identify, support, and successfully argue on your behalf
- Navigating the foreclosure process can be overwhelming in an already stressful situation. A foreclosure defense attorney can alleviate some of that stress and help find options you may not have thought you had.
Contact a Foreclosure Defense Attorney in Washington, DC Today
At the Law Office of Alfredo Vasquez, we understand that sometimes bad things happen to good people, and we know that facing a foreclosure can be extremely stressful and frustrating. Contact us at (202) 525-7710 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you navigate a foreclosure.