Foreclosure can be a devastating situation for homeowners as well as the surrounding neighborhood. Despite an improving economy in the Orlando, Florida area, it is important that distressed homeowners are fully aware of all the alternatives to foreclosure that are available to them. As a certified distressed property expert [CDPE], I try to ensure that homeowners in foreclosure have the latest most up-to-date information available so that they can make the most informed decision possible based on their situation.

Although lenders have the ability to start foreclosure proceedings after one payment is missed they will usually allow a homeowner to miss up to three mortgage payments before officially starting the foreclosure process. A short sale can substantially minimize the damage to someone’s future loan eligibility, credit rating, security clearance, and even employment with some companies.

It’s important to know that a foreclosure can stay on someone’s record for up to seven long years. Now more than ever, distressed homeowners should take every precaution available to them to try and protect their credit.

A short sale is the most popular way to avoid foreclosure and save your credit. However, there are several other alternatives available to homeowners wanting to keep their houses.

1- Deed in lieu- Basically a voluntary foreclosure where the homeowner signs the property over to the lender instead of going through the foreclosure process. However, you should be aware that a “deed in lieu” will still show up as a foreclosure on your credit report.

2- Loan modification- This is when a lender adjusts the terms of a loan making it more affordable to the homeowner so that they can remain in their home. Loan modifications can be tricky and many times even though the payment is reduced, the principal remains the same or even more. The best loan modification scenario is when the lender reduces both the principal amount of the loan as well as the interest.

3- Bankruptcy- Usually, a chapter 13 bankruptcy is the best way to save your house from foreclosure. It allows the homeowner to make up missed mortgage payments through a repayment plan and get back on track. A chapter 7 bankruptcy, while providing some temporary relief from foreclosure, usually won’t prevent the foreclosure of a home. The bad news is that having a bankruptcy on your record is just as bad as having a foreclosure.

Consult with a Certified Distressed Property Expert

A realtor with a CDPE designation has the knowledge and the tools to efficiently and ethically pursue alternatives to foreclosure, especially short sales. In addition to specialized training in dealing with distressed properties, CDPE agents are connected to an entire network of other professionals in this niche which allows them to remain up-to-date on the complex and ever-changing Orlando real estate market.