Foreclosure is the process that takes place when a homeowner fails to pay his or her mortgage for a period of time, usually exceeding 90 days. The foreclosure process may start as early on as 60 days from the date of the first missed payment, though it varies from lender to lender. Despite common misconception, banks do not want to foreclose on homes because it costs them in the way of time and money.
Homeowners are often given several chances to avoid the official foreclosure process by making payment arrangements. While it can be difficult to catch up on late payments, it is possible, and banks are usually quite patient with a homeowner that is fighting to keep his or her home. Usually if the bank can see that an honest attempt is being made to catch up, they will delay the official process, giving the homeowner the chance to keep his or her home.
If you cannot stop foreclosure, remember that it is not the end of the world, though it can feel like it. While being foreclosed on will affect your credit, you can come back from it and own a home again. It's important to remember that if your home goes into foreclosure that you will not simply be kicked out of your home, you will usually have at least 60 days to move out, and sometimes you will not have to move out until the home has been purchased by someone else. Read up on the foreclosure laws in your state so that you know your rights.
