When you’re facing foreclosure, it’s essential to get an attorney. Most people do not do this since they believe that a foreclosure is inevitable and there is nothing that they are able to do. This is a common misconception. In some cases, an attorney can help you stay in your home if you qualify for a loan modification or you will be able to walk away from your home without going through foreclosure if the bank approves a short sale.
In order for a lender to foreclose on your home in Pennsylvania, they must file a complaint with the Court of Common Pleas where the property is located. The complaint is then served on the borrower. The borrower must answer the complaint within 20 days. It’s during the answer that the borrower is able to raise any defenses that they may have. If a borrower does not raise any defenses during this process, they lose their ability to contest the foreclosure. As soon as you receive a foreclosure complaint, see an attorney immediately since there is a very small window to file a response to assert any defenses that you may have.
Once you see an attorney, you will also be able to determine your alternatives to foreclosure, as I touched on previously. It may be possible that you qualify for a short sale or loan modification. Additionally, a deed in lieu of foreclosure or bankruptcy may be available to you. Lastly, the foreclosure process is complex. An attorney can help you deal with the process, answer your questions and concerns, and help provide you with peace of mind.
To speak with a foreclosure defense attorney in the Lehigh Valley, please call Zachary Zawarski at (610) 417-6345. We will aggressively defend you during foreclosure proceedings and do all that we can to help you keep your home or allow you walk away from the home without going through foreclosure.
Zachary Zawarski, Esq.