Does Your Foreclosure Defense Attorney Make the Cut?
It is all over the news. According to one of the industry experts for tracking this type of information, RealtyTrac, U.S. foreclosure filings rose seven percent (7%) in October 2011. So what does this mean? It means if you are one of the millions of homeowners who have fallen behind in their mortgage payments you better talk to an attorney and evaluate your options.
“What?” you ask. “I have options? How can that be? I owe the money….” Believe me, YOU HAVE OPTIONS!
The real question you should be asking yourself: How can I (a regular person) determine if the attorney I am speaking with (supposedly an expert in this area) actually knows what they are doing? Do they have the expertise to legally “work the system” so I can stay in my home for many years to come, despite the fact that I have not paid my mortgage payments. The Top Five List below provides some guidance and insight.
TOP FIVE LIST
You know the attorney you are speaking with should NOT be hired as your foreclosure defense attorney when…
1. They do not ask you if the mortgage was an original home loan or a refinance and if it was a refinance, if it is less than three years old.
2. You shared with them you would like to apply for a loan modification and they do not suggest using a HUD counselor (these counselors are FREE).
3. They tell you that because you did not pay your mortgage you do not have a case.
4. They tell you that it’s too late to do anything when you share your home has been auctioned off by the sheriff without first asking if the sale has been confirmed by the court and a host of other questions.
5. They will not let you pay a flat rate of $300 a month after paying the initial retainer fee of $1,500 for their services.
This is your home and it is your future. Do not let the attorneys you call for help intimidate you. Take the time to ask questions. Take the time to find an attorney who knows how to utilize the legal system to your advantage at a price that keeps you out of the poor house and in your home for as long as legally possible.
Karen Coffey
Attorney At Law
kcoffey@coffeyatlaw.com
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