Salem Foreclosure Lawyers

Find the right Foreclosure attorney in Salem, VA

Foreclosure Law in Virginia

Foreclosure is when a lender in Salem, Virginia, re-possesses the real property that was bought with the loan. This is meant to cover the bank's losses, in case the borrower continuously fails to make his or her mortgage payments.

A foreclosure typically involves a forced sale of the house at auction, so the bank can recover at least some of the loss it has incurred as a result of the default. Banks typically want to rid themselves of the property as soon as possible, collect as much money as they can from the sale, and then move on.

In Virginia, and every other state, foreclosed homeowners can go through a "foreclosure by judicial sale." In this form of foreclosure sale, a court supervises the sale, ensuring that the bank makes every reasonable effort to get the highest price possible for the house. The purpose of this is to maximize the chances that the bank gets, at the very least, the remaining balance of the mortgage. Although this may seem counter-intuitive, it is intended to safeguard the borrower: it helps prevent them from still owing money after the house is sold at auction.

In many states, mortgages fall into a category of loans identified as "non-recourse loans." This means that, if the house is sold by the lender, the entire debt is eliminated, even if the sale price was less than the remaining balance on the loan. While the loss of one's home can be personally devastating, treating a mortgage as a non-recourse loan at least means that the homeowner will be more or less free to move on with their life once the property is foreclosed and sold.

How to Possibly Avoid Foreclosure in Salem, Virginia

To prevent foreclosure, communicating with your lender is key. Let's face it - if you're in a case where foreclosure looks like a possibility, your life is not going to be easy for some time. While it's challenging to step up and acknowledge unpleasant facts, doing so will make your life much easier in the long run. If your lender is aware of your situation, it's far more likely that you'll be able to work something out with them.

You must keep in mind that banks are in the business of lending funds, not flipping property: the bank doesn't really want your house. To that end, they'll occasionally go to great lengths to accommodate your financial situation, whatever it may be. For banks, foreclosure is a last resort.

If you face sudden expenses, such as medical bills or a lawsuit, which put a serious but relatively short-term strain on your finances, you should notify your lender instantly. You might find that they are willing to accept lower payments, if this will keep you from defaulting.

In Virginia, some buyers have no choice but to resort to a short sale. This is simply the sale of the house, and using the funds to pay off the remainder of the mortgage. One benefit of a short sale is that, if the house sells for less than the mortgage balance, the remaining debt is excused, and the borrower is free and clear.

Can a Salem, Virginia real estate attorney help?

If you feel that your home is close to being foreclosed in Salem, Virginia, and want to try to prevent this, the advice and assistance of an efficient real estate lawyer can mean the difference between keeping or losing your home.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Salem

Salem, Virginia is an independent city in central Virginia. It is physically located within the borders of Roanoke County, but as an independent city, it is not actually part of the county, nor under that county's jurisdiction. Nonetheless, the county courthouse is located in the city. Salem has a population of about 25,000 people.

Archeological digs show clear evidence of human habitation of the Salem area dating as far back as 8000 BCE (about 10,000 years ago). The first European settlements of Salem came in 1671, and it went on to serve important historical roles in the American Revolutionary War, and the Civil War. The city was officially founded in 1802, and to this day continues to preserve its small-town character in its beautiful natural setting.

Salem is faring pretty well economically - its median household income is about ,000 per year, and less than 7% of residents live below the poverty line, comparedto the nationwide rate of around 15%.

Salem, Virginia has a legal community that is dedicated to meeting the legal needs of the town's residents. If you need any legal services whatsoever, you should not hesitate to call a Salem, Virginia lawyer.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Nicholas M.
Nicholas M.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Golden, CO

Carl M.
Carl M.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Seattle, WA

David A.
David A.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Walnut Creek, CA