A friend got a notice of foreclosure on a house on which he's made regular payments for over a decade. It's in Sonoma County, California; he's lived in and owned the house since the late 90s. I've advised him to lawyer up, and tomorrow will help investigate what pro bono attorneys are available to him. He has little money; his home is his wealth. Meanwhile, maybe someone here has been in this position and can provide a roadmap? [more inside]
posted by goofyfoot on Nov 19, 2009 - 16 answers

[Bankruptcyfilter] YANML...speaking in hypotheticals only. Exempt furniture / wildcard exemption vs security interest of creditor in same said furniture with a UCC Security Agreement. Does the furniture get an exemption? Or does the furniture get Repossesed via Foreclosure of Security Interest in Personal Property? Furniture was just pledged as collateral...never was sold or belonged to the creditor. How is this determined... by the Bankruptcy Trustees discretion, or by law?
posted by Muirwylde on Nov 5, 2009 - 6 answers

Is bankruptcy the only way to put this foreclosure mess behind me? [more inside]
posted by anony-me on Aug 10, 2009 - 19 answers

I'm a landlord who's completely underwater in her mortgage, has a job but just received a pay cut, and has tenants but the rent doesn't cover the mortgage payment. Can I get help even though it's no longer my primary residence? Or will I have to become another statistic and go into foreclosure? [more inside]
posted by karmagirl on Jul 12, 2009 - 16 answers

MERS mortgage avoidance: huh? [more inside]
posted by maxwelton on Jun 30, 2009 - 6 answers

Do people actually lose their homes to pay for health care in the US, or is this an urban myth? [more inside]
posted by WinnipegDragon on Jun 24, 2009 - 39 answers

Bad credit due to ex spouse. So how bad is this black mark going to hurt me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 15, 2009 - 6 answers

Financial pundits and politicos keep repeating the mantra that "toxic" mortgages can't be renegotiated because the mortgages were sold off, split up into a thousand pieces, and fragmented as part of the whole process of creating mortgage-backed securities. My question is, why doesn't that same logic also hold true in reverse when a foreclosure occurs (i.e., if we don't know who owns it, how can anyone foreclose on it)? [more inside]
posted by webhund on Mar 9, 2009 - 13 answers

After a foreclosure & a Deficiency Judgment, can they go after my 401k & IRA? [more inside]
posted by olddogeyes on Feb 24, 2009 - 6 answers

Why are we so focused on the construction of new homes? [more inside]
posted by nax on Feb 18, 2009 - 14 answers

Is there a site that lists foreclosures, reos, etc that is a little less sketchy than Realtytrac.com? [more inside]
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy on Jan 28, 2009 - 7 answers

What are our options in closing on our first home? (Details inside) [more inside]
posted by ForeverDcember on Jan 23, 2009 - 10 answers

How come renters need protection against foreclosure? [more inside]
posted by nax on Jan 14, 2009 - 10 answers

My parents have been renting the same house for about 21 years. The landlord died a couple of years ago, and the house was purchased by a neighbor. My parents were allowed to stay. They received a notice a few days ago that the house has been foreclosed on and that they have to move by mid-Feb. They are extremely financially limited. What options are available? [more inside]
posted by AltReality on Jan 13, 2009 - 14 answers

I see the world, and all in it, as something vicious and ready to attack me, and that influences far too much stuff in my life. Help. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 8, 2008 - 30 answers

Question about yard signs (not of a political scope). The house across from mine went into foreclosure a while back. A few days ago a for sale sign went up. Now it is a billboard. [more inside]
posted by jeribus on Oct 16, 2008 - 9 answers

Under financial pressure. My house isn't selling. I want to avoid foreclosure and don't care about making a profit. It's the original mortgage; a 30-year fixed at 5.5% in good condition (attractive older house and well maintained) in a decent neighborhood (property values steady as those in more expensive neighborhoods fall). [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind on Oct 1, 2008 - 7 answers

I just saw a house in NY that is being offered as a short sale. It needs work, but the investment would be smart. My real estate agent was trying to dissuade me about considering the house by saying that the house needs so much work. It does need work, but not as extensive as the agent is suggesting. How do I negotiate the process of making an offer and have it accepted? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 17, 2008 - 13 answers

We just found out that our landlord is facing foreclosure. How screwed are we? [more inside]
posted by christinetheslp on Jun 16, 2008 - 6 answers

Help me understand quit claim deeds, why they are so prevalent in this particular heavily-foreclosed-upon Washington state neighborhood I am researching, and some other fishy data I have uncovered. [more inside]
posted by croutonsupafreak on Apr 29, 2008 - 9 answers

Does anyone have any insight or experience into dealing with lender REO Departments (Real Estate Owned) when it comes to purchasing a foreclosed property? My wife and I are interested in purchasing our next primary residence from the bank prior to any sort of auction. [more inside]
posted by BirdD0g on Mar 25, 2008 - 5 answers

Can I sell my place if I'm on a repayment plan for its mortgage? [more inside]
posted by hamster on Feb 14, 2008 - 2 answers

What do renters do when their landlord's property goes through a foreclosure? [more inside]
posted by rezaman on Nov 19, 2007 - 8 answers

How can I buy a decent foreclosure in Silicon Valley? [more inside]
posted by bananafish on Oct 25, 2007 - 8 answers

The goal: Affordable real estate during housing uncertainty... Is there a local resource for foreclosures in Manhattan? Are there court documents available to the public regarding properties in at risk? Is there a web resource for this?
posted by Shanachie on Aug 22, 2007 - 15 answers

I have a crappy house that is falling apart and keeping me from moving on with my life. Should I foreclose on my house? [more inside]
posted by simpleperson on Jun 25, 2007 - 25 answers

Help us save our credit! We're not sure why, but our mortgage company started returning our automatic bank payments a few months ago. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Feb 3, 2007 - 6 answers

Please help! I received a foreclosure notice. I have the money, but have been having a difficult time with the lender. How do I prevent a foreclosure on my house? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 9, 2006 - 15 answers

What happens to foreclosed homes? [more inside]
posted by Four Flavors on Oct 24, 2005 - 8 answers