According to RealtyTrac.com, 1 out of 84 homeowners received at least 1 foreclosure filing during the first half of 2009, and for the 4th straight month, more than 300,000 foreclosure filings were reported nationwide. The FDIC reports that the 2 most common reasons for foreclosures are job loss and health crisis. Despite the media seemingly blaming a subprime loan program that affected 3-5% of the population for our foreclosure woes, the reality is that the combination of job loss and dropping home values have created a perfect storm of financial disasters for many normal families. Now with a slower real estate market translating into falling home values, more homeowners who opted for adjustable rate mortgages are finding that their mortgage rate is rising as their home value is lowering. Therefore, unfortunately, the foreclosure crisis in America is likely to continue.

In years past, if you lost your job, couldn’t pay medical bills, or moved out of state, you had a decent chance of selling your home for a profit, or at least breaking even. Now, many people are tens of thousands of dollars upside down on their loan and are unable to downsize to a smaller dwelling without suffering a foreclosure. According to homebuying.com, a foreclosure will damage a consumer’s credit score, lowering it on average 200-300 points and making it difficult to get another home for 5-7 years. Bad things happen to good people, and the purpose of this article is to provide people with options available to them during the foreclosure process:

• Option 1- Bring loan current. According to the FDIC, most homeowners in foreclosure have no savings and no available credit. And since the number one reason for foreclosure is due to job loss, there may be no way for the homeowner to catch up the loan. However, if you as a homeowner struggling with a foreclosure have the reasonable expectation of income coming in sometime in the near future, it may benefit you to talk to an extended family member or friend about a short term loan.

• Option 2- Loan modifications. According to a Freddie Mac / Roper Poll, most homeowners fail to contact their lender because they are embarrassed, don’t believe the lender can help, and/or believe it would cause them to lose their home more quickly. However, this option may be a viable. Loan modifications occur when the bank agrees to reduce principal, interest, and/or payments. Unless you have experience with the Loss Mitigation Dept. at banks, I would recommend working with a legitimate, experienced loan modification company who can prepare an effective argument for the banks because loan modifications do not have a high success rate. According to the Office of Comptroller Mortgage Metrics report of April 2009, “…In 2008, only 41.85 percent of all modifications reduced monthly principal and interest payments for homeowners. For delinquent borrowers – - a loan modification resulted in an INCREASED or EQUAL payment amount 58.15% of the time!!” As stated earlier, the number one reason for people going into foreclosure is due to job loss. If no income is coming in from a traditional job, then there is little chance that a mortgage company will reduce your loan principle, interest rates, or payment.

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When a person is young, they are vibrant and indestructible. Nothing can keep them down. Inexperience is what contributes to this myth. As this person gains more experience, time tempers the myth and belief that every aspect of the world is awaiting them to discover and conquer. Thoughts turn from the present to that of what the future holds.

Hindsight being what it is, if the average 22 year old had only financially planned for the future instead of just focusing in on the present, the future would be much brighter. Instead, the average middle aged man or woman is finding themselves jockeying debts and living from paycheck to paycheck with little relief in sight.

With mounting credit card debts, car payments, the expense of raising children, and a sizable death pledge, also commonly referred to as a mortgage, most of the country has not experienced this much financial stress in over 50 years. Bankruptcy then was an extreme taboo. To declare bankruptcy then was completely ruinous and few if any ever recovered. Fortunately today, that same stigma of absolute failure and worthlessness has been replaced with understanding, but tempered with caution. A bankruptcy will stay listed on a person’s credit report for 7 to 10 years depending on the type of bankruptcy declared. In other countries such as Britain or Australia, the period is a shorter 6 years and 7 years respectively.

It is still a very realistic expectation to succeed and prosper after claiming bankruptcy, however, the majority will find it challenging to adhere to a disciplined financial regimen where once the youthful carefree approach reigned supreme. Very few individuals or families can do this alone without some financial advisor or planning.

A large number of financial advisors will say to pay off enormous debts through debt consolidation and loan counseling assistance. Depending upon the type of debt and amount, it may not be a logical or realistic endeavour. Reputable bankruptcy attorneys also may recommend paying off one’s debt if possible.

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Many people think that, since a bankruptcy stays on your credit report for ten years, they’ll be unable to get any kind of credit. Not true.

The truth is, a bankruptcy will continue to affect you until it drops off your record… but not as profoundly as you might think. As time passes after your discharge, it will become less important in the eyes of potential lenders… as long as you manage your finances responsibly.

The first year after bankruptcy will be the hardest. Lenders will see that you have had recent financial troubles, and will often be hesitant to issue a credit card or lend you money. Getting an unsecured credit card could prove quite difficult, although there are a few lenders that may be willing to give you a low limit card (usually $200 to $500).

If you can’t get an unsecured card, it’s important to at least get a secured credit card. You’ll be limited to what you pay in, but this will at least allow you to pay bills online, book hotel rooms, and travel without cash. Plus, as long as you make timely payments, many secured card lenders will report your account as current on your credit report. This helps you improve your credit score more quickly, reducing the effect of bankruptcy on your life.

You might be able to get a car loan after your bankruptcy has been discharged for a year. Be prepared for a substantially higher interest rate than you’re used to, though. The longer you wait after your bankruptcy, the lower your interest rate will be.

Bankruptcy will also keep you from getting a mortgage loan for two years. After that, if you have taken steps to rebuild your credit, you may be able to obtain an FHA loan with down payment as low as 3% of the purchase price.

In some respects, bankruptcy will affect you for the next ten years. By being financially responsible, though, you can minimize these effects, and get back to a normal life surprisingly quickly.

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