Report Indicates That Foreclosures May Soon Increase

Report Indicates That Foreclosures May Soon Increase

September foreclosure filings fell 38% from one year ago, according to information released by RealtyTrac.com. This may seem like good news, but there is reason to believe that the foreclosure rate may soon increase.

First, the foreclosure process came under attack during the past year prompting many banks to slow or temporarily stop foreclosure proceedings. Banks and mortgage servicers have taken corrective actions over the past twelve months, and there is no evidence that previous sloppy practices are continuing. On the contrary, there is evidence that banks are being more cautious in dealing with foreclosures. The time the average foreclosure takes has increased to 336 days, up 18 days from the previous quarter.

Second, while the number of foreclosures is down for the year, the number of September foreclosure filings increased 6% from August. “This marginal increase in overall foreclosure activity was fueled by a 14% jump in new default notices, indicating that lenders are cautiously throwing more wood into the foreclosure fireplace after spending months spent trying to clear the chimney of sloppily filed foreclosures,” says RealtyTrac Chief Executive James Saccacio.

 “While foreclosure activity in September and the third quarter continued to register well below levels from a year ago, there is evidence that this temporary downward trend is about to change direction, with foreclosure activity slowly beginning to ramp back up," Saccacio said in a statement.

If you find yourself unable to pay your mortgage and facing foreclosure, get professional help. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can provide you with options to catch up payments over three to five years, modify your existing mortgage, strip away an entirely unsecured junior lien, or even walk away from your house and the debt on your own terms. 

Once a bankruptcy case is filed, the federal law stops all collection action – even foreclosure! Bankruptcy gives you a “breathing spell” to organize your finances and propose a plan to restructure your debt. In many cases debtors are able to save their homes while discharging thousands of dollars in unsecured debts, including credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills.

Don’t be another statistic! Get the information you need to make a sound financial decision regarding your home. Call an experienced attorney today and learn how the federal bankruptcy laws can help you!