Facing foreclosure, should I consider bankruptcy?

On January 14, 2011, in Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

Yes.

Why?

Because the longer you wait to file bankruptcy, the more difficult it may be to save your home.

But the bank might modify my mortgage.

Sure, but what if the bank doesn’t modify your mortgage. While you wait for a potential loan modification – your mortgage arrears and the interest are piling up. This could potentially prevent you from putting forth a confirmable chapter 13 plan.

NY bankruptcy law just got better.

On 1/21/11 new bankruptcy exemptions go into effect (see our earlier posts Changes to NY Bankruptcy Exemptions and Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions & NY).

You should at least consult with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney to find out how filing bankruptcy can save your home (see our earlier posts Filing Bankruptcy to Save Your Home From Foreclosure and How Can I Use My Ch.7 Bankruptcy to Avoid Foreclosure).

We understand that bankruptcy is not for everyone. That is why we also offer foreclosure defense, debt negotiation, etc. We are simply stating that bankruptcy is an option that should be considered. At The Law Firm of Vaughn & Weber, PLLC, we don’t push our clients to file bankruptcy. We give you all of your options and assist you in deciding which course of action is best for you.

This is not legal advice!

The Law Firm of Vaughn & Weber, PLLC routinely represents homeowners facing foreclosure. We examine each homeowner’s specific situation to determine their best course of action.

We proudly assist residents of Long Island (Nassau county, Suffolk county) and New York City (Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan) with their bankruptcy and foreclosure matters. We are conveniently located in the heart of Nassau County, Long Island, at 393 Jericho Tpke., Ste. 208, Mineola, NY 11501.

Call (516) 858-2620 to arrange a FREE  consultation with a bankruptcy and foreclosure attorney!

 

Please visit our Foreclosure category to learn more about foreclosure issues.

Please visit our Bankruptcy category to learn more about filing for bankruptcy.

I want to evict my tenant!

On January 3, 2011, in Landlord-Tenant, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

So, you want to evict your tenant.

Is there a lease? Has it expired? Month-to-month?  Rent stabilized/controlled? Legal/illegal apt? Section 8 tenant? Multiple family dwelling? Which County?…..all important questions.

Generally, you will be bringing a Non-payment or Holdover proceeding:

Lease exists, but tenant not paying
In a Non-payment action the Landlord needs to make a “rent demand” (usu. 3 day notice and can be made orally, but see what the lease says). Landlord can file the petition and notice of petition for non-payment if no rent paid by day #4. You will have to have the tenant(s) properly served with the petition and notice.  Usually, if tenant pays, tenant stays!

Expired lease or month-to-month tenancy
In a Holdover action you may have to have the tenant(s) properly served with a “30 day notice to quit.”  This can be tricky . You will file a holdover petition and notice of petition and have tenant properly served with same.

The above is far from complete.  We are  just trying to give you some insight. Hope it helps. Good luck!

Visit our Landlord-Tenant category to learn more about Landlord-Tenant issues.

As always, The Long Island Landlord-Tenant Law Firm of VAUGHN & WEBER, PLLC is here to assist you.  We are conveniently located in the heart of Nassau County, Long Island, at 217 Willis Avenue in Mineola, NY 11501.  Contact us at (516) 858-2620 to arrange a consultation with a  Landlord-Tenant attorney.

Chase MIGHT pay you 20k to short sale

On January 2, 2011, in Foreclosure, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

“We would like to talk with you about the possibility of selling your home for less than the amount you owe. If we agree on a lower sale price and a few other terms and you sell your house for that amount before foreclosure, you will get $20,000.”

That is what it states in a letter sent from Chase to a homeowner facing foreclosure.  On its face, this does not appear to be a bad offer for troubled homeowners. Of course, we, as attorneys, would want to know what the ‘few other terms’ are before advising a homeowner regarding this program.

We understand that short sales are not the best course of action for some homeowners facing foreclosure. However, If this is a legitimate program offered by Chase, it could make short sales a lot more desirable for troubled homeowners.

As always, The Law Firm of VAUGHN & WEBER, PLLC is here to assist you. We are conveniently located in the heart of Nassau County, Long Island at 217 Willis Avenue in Mineola, NY 11501. You can contact us at (516) 858-2620 to speak with an attorney.

Thanks for stopping by. All the best!

Stop paying my second mortgage?

On December 13, 2010, in Foreclosure, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

Can you stop paying your second mortgage?

Sure.

Should you stop paying your second mortgage?

Maybe not.

The prevailing theory is that if your home is worth less than what you owe on your 1st mortgage it is highly unlikely that the holder of your 2nd mortgage will bring a foreclosure action against you.

Well, although it may be rare, we did have a homeowner come into our office this year whose 2nd mortgage was being foreclosed although his home’s value was less than the amount owed on the 1st mortgage.  Additionally, lenders can, and some will,  “sue on the note” (bring an action against you to recover the money you promised to repay them) rather than bring a mortgage foreclosure action.

On the brighter side, we have seen 2nd mortgage payments reduced by as much as 80% a month.  Also, some lenders are willing to accept as little as 10% of what is owed on the 2nd mortgage as full payment. Additionally, if bankruptcy is an option, you might be able to “strip off” a totally unsecured second mortgage by filing a chapter 13 bankruptcy (see filing bankruptcy to save home from foreclosure).

We are often asked about paying and not paying second mortgages. Our answer: We can not advise you without knowing your specific situation and considering the particular options available to you.  So, make sure you are fully informed before making a final decision.

As always, The Law Firm of VAUGHN & WEBER, PLLC is here to assist you.  We are conveniently located in Mineola, NY.  You can Contact us at (516) 858-2620 to speak with an attorney.


The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation. This website is Attorney Advertising. It does not form an attorney-client relationship. We are a debt relief agency and a law firm that helps people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code – Title 11. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Proudly assisting residents of Long Island, Nassau county, Suffolk county, New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan