What You Need To Know About Repossession - Houses and Properties

There is a lot of information, but also a lot of misinformation, about various types of repossession. Houses and other types of properties, like anything else that is bought through a loan or financing, is subject to repossession. Houses and properties typically have a much longer grace period or pre foreclosure period prior to the actual foreclosure and repossession than smaller items such as car, electronics or appliances. Since houses are much larger and many times more money that other items subject to repossession there is absolutely no need for a quick repossession. Houses are typically best managed if the current resident, commonly called the owner, can stay in the house and manage to either refinance the loan or get a modification on the loan.

As with any type of repossession, houses and properties can only be seized under very specific conditions. The loaner or lender must notify you, usually through a registered letter, that the payments have not been received as per the financing agreement. The lender should supply a record of payments and what balance is outstanding, the description of the property and the physical address, your name and information as well as what the lender is requiring to happen to prevent the foreclosure or repossession. Houses going into this pre foreclosure stage may also be listed on various pre foreclosure websites, so the owners should be prepared for a flood of letters, postcards and even phone calls to purchase the property or to refinance the loan.

Owners at this time need to seriously consider their options and to contact the lender to try to work out a plan for repayment and modification of the loan. Lenders typically will work with the homeowners to prevent having to go all the way through to foreclosure and having to repossess the house. Lenders are much farther ahead taking a lower monthly payment over a longer period of time than the original loan then they are trying to sell the house once it has been repossessed, especially in a downward housing market.

You may also file a hardship letter or a specific claim form that is provided in the information sent by the lender. It is important to appear at any court hearing to explain your situation and get your options for resolution on the record if you are given the opportunity. Getting an attorney is also important in the case of repossession. Houses and properties that are subject to repossession are typically handled by a real estate attorney that specializes in foreclosures.