California Foreclosure Recovery

Find help through the California foreclosure process

By Maria St. Louis-Sanchez

California foreclosure recovery can be a strenuous process for the homeowner in distress. However, there is help out there. If you are facing foreclosure in California, know that you are not alone. California has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation.

If you need California foreclosure help, it is best to talk with your lender right away. There may be several options to keep you out of foreclosure including:

A short sale--when the lender agrees to let the home sell for less than the mortgage that is owed. Since the home is sold at a discount, it usually sells quickly and keeps the homeowner out of the California foreclosure laws.
Deed in lieu of foreclosure--when the homeowner deeds the home back to the lender. This will let the homeowner walk away from the house without going through foreclosure.
Mortgage repayment plan--the lender is willing to give the homeowner leniency and help to get the mortgage back on track.

Know your rights in California foreclosure law

Foreclosure laws in California are very specific and keep the lender from suddenly sweeping in and taking your home. For example, in California, homeowners have three months to recover their home after a notice of default has been filed with the trustees office. If you know your rights in California foreclosure law, you will know more of your options.
Try: Research California foreclosure law at Advantage Mitigation Services. Also, Foreclosure University outlines Foreclosure laws in California. A timeline of the CA foreclosure process is available at AllForeclosures.com.

Seek out help with California foreclosure recovery

There are several options for people seeking foreclosure recovery. California has several alternatives for solutions through government or non-profit organizations.
Try: Find CA foreclosure consultants certified through the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Develpment (HUD). These housing counselors are trained to help homeowners find their options. Consumer Credit Counseling Service offers a free online course which outlines the options of California homeowners who want to keep their home.

Look for a California foreclosure attorney

A California foreclosure attorney will help you know your rights and may be able to work with your lender to keep you in your home.
Try: Attorneys.com has a list of California foreclosure lawyers by city. You can also contact a California foreclosure attorney through ForeclosureLawFirms.com.

Watch out for mortgage recovery scams

The Federal Trade Commission warns that there are plenty of bad guys operating in the foreclosure recovery business who will take your money and provide no service. Some warning signs, according to the FTC: advertising terms like "guarantee" and "97% success rate", upfront fees before services and company names or websites designed to make you think you're dealing with a government or nonprofit agency.
Try: Educate yourself about foreclosure recovery scams through the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC recommends you only seek foreclosure help from government sanctioned counseling agencies like the ones recommended by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or the federal Making Home Affordable program.

Watch out for scam artists who want to steal your home. There are several people who are looking to take advantage of California homeowners in distress and promise to help save their home. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Seek out help as early as you can for foreclosure recovery. California has several options for help, but they work best when you aren't too far behind on your mortgage.