By Mitchell Sussman


Because of the collapse of the real estate market, the word "foreclosure" has become a regular part of the English language. This article will provide information about different types of foreclosures and how the process works.

In the context of real estate law, foreclosure is the legal process by which a real property lender recovers possession of the real property that secures its loan. Much like the repossession of a car or furniture when the borrower does not pay, foreclosure allows the real property lender to take back the property.

The real property lender can do this because as part of its agreement to loan money to the borrower, the lender is granted a voluntary lien by the borrower which the lender can enforce should the borrower refuse or be unable to pay.

The most frequent type of of foreclosure is known as a "non - judicial" foreclosure. This type is pursuant to the power of sale clause contained in a mortgage or deed of trust. This method is the most common type of foreclosure because unlike a "judicial" foreclosure no court action or judicial proceeding is required. In the state of California, virtually every foreclosure is a "non - judicial" foreclosure because it takes very little time and money to take back the property from the borrower.

As mentioned above, a "non - judicial" foreclosure process involves the sale of the property without court supervision. It is faster and cheaper than foreclosure by court order and unless stopped voluntarily by agreement, bankruptcy stay or court a ordered stay, can take less than six months.

Non - judicial" foreclosure proceedings have a variety of steps that culminate in what is known as a trustee's sale. At the trustee's sale the property is sold to the highest bidder. Should no bids be forthcoming the property reverts back to the lender. If there are bidders, the bank can keep the proceeds to pay off its loan and any legal costs. Amounts in excess will be used to pay off junior or subordinate liens. In the unlikely event that there is a balance after the payment of all liens it will be paid over to the borrower.

Foreclosure by court, commonly known as a "judicial foreclosure," is available in every state and in some states is required. This involves a legal action in which the lender files a lawsuit that asks for a sale of the real property. As with other court actions, constitutional dictates of "due process" allow a homeowner to answer the lawsuit and present legal defenses. At the conclusion of the case a decision is made in favor of either the lender or borrower. Should the lender prevail, the property is sold with the proceeds going to satisfy the foreclosing lender; then other lien holders; and, finally, the mortgagor/borrower.

Additional information about foreclosure can be found by consulting a real estate attorney in your area or logging on to the website of attorney Mitchell Reed Sussman at http://www.palmspringslitigationattorney.com




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