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Saving Your House Illustration

Timing is everything. Some people just have bad luck. Especially those who bought homes the height of the housing market boom, these problems can be exacerbated by high mortgage payments for a property that is no longer worth as much as what was initially paid for the home.

An underwater mortgage, where homeowners owe more than what a home is worth, can be a troubling and frustrating problem, but there may be options available.

Carolyn Secor can help you address the full scope of your financial problems. If you are currently upside down on your home mortgage, it is important to remember that you may have options for relief and that our legal team is here to help you explore them! These can include options to mitigate unsecured debt and tax obligations, as well as short sales and deed in lieu of foreclosure.

For those who want to keep their homes despite an underwater mortgage, Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be a viable option. Under this Chapter of the U.S. bankruptcy code, debt is restructured and repaid through a plan that typically takes between three to five years. Upon conclusion of the plan, during which you made more manageable payments to creditors, some debts may even be discharged.

In respect to an underwater mortgage, Chapter 13 can allow you to keep your home and is often the route taken by debtors who do not qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It can allow you to remain in your home and make payments toward the mortgage rather than simply taking a short sale or allowing the property to be foreclosed by the lender when walking away from the house.

The Advantages of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy can offer multiple advantages. If you have more than one mortgage, it can eliminate or remove other mortgages, including liens on the property. As long as you complete your payment plan under bankruptcy laws, any liens against your property can be removed.

The repayment plan may include the amount you are behind on with your mortgage as well as other debts such as your car payment, medical bills, credit card bills, and other obligations. You’ll make a monthly payment toward your debt based on your income and agreement made with the Bankruptcy Trustee.

Debts or portions of debt, eliminated at the end of a Chapter 13 case can free up the funds you might need to keep your financial obligations and pay your mortgage. In some circumstances, either during the plan or after, you may be able to pursue other means of negotiating with your lender.

Since each situation is different, it is best to discuss your situation, options, and whether Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be viable in dealing with your underwater mortgage with a member of our team.

Carolyn Secor P.A. focuses its practice in the areas of Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Defense in Clearwater, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.BankruptcyforTampa.com or call 727-254-1704.