Diligent Attorneys Offer Foreclosure Defense Services in Brooklyn

Proven strategies give hope to borrowers worried about losing their homes

If you are behind on your mortgage and your lender is threatening you with foreclosure, you are not alone. Foreclosures are on the rise again in Brooklyn and throughout the five boroughs, reaching heights not seen since the housing crisis of 2009. But, before you give up on everything you’ve worked for, you should talk to a concerned attorney at Rubin & Licatesi, P.C. For more than 40 years, we have helped homeowners in Brooklyn and the greater NYC area stop foreclosure actions and resolve their mortgage problems. We are ready to focus our knowledge and skill on your situation and work diligently for a positive outcome.

Effective strategies for resolving mortgage problems in Brooklyn

When you take out a mortgage, your home or business property is collateral on that loan. If you default on the loan, the lender has the legal right to force a sale of the property to recover at least some of what you owe. That last phrase, “at least some,” is key to understanding the potential solutions to your dilemma. That’s because foreclosures are generally not profitable for lenders. They often take a loss, which they write off. Moreover, when the foreclosure rate is high in a particular area, which it is currently in Brooklyn, lenders know they’ll recoup even less through a foreclosure sale.

These circumstances work to your advantage, giving you leverage to negotiate various solutions, including:

• Loan modification — With a modification, you negotiate with your lender to change the terms of your agreement. If you are struggling with high monthly payments, you can ask for lower payments in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate or a longer term. If you can demonstrate that you have reliable income or that the additional financial obligations you’re struggling with are temporary, the lender may be willing to be flexible.
• Short sale — This tactic does not save your home, but it does eliminate your obligation to keep paying your mortgage. With a short sale, the lender gives you permission to sell the property for less than you owe. The lender saves on the time, expense and financial risk of a foreclosure, and you get a quick resolution to your problem.
• Forbearance — Simply put, you ask your lender to allow you a grace period during which you do not make payments on your mortgage. This is appropriate when you have a short-term financial emergency, such as medical bills for a sick family member. Here, you’ll need to demonstrate a reliable source of income and the temporary nature of your financial distress.

Attempting to negotiate any of these solutions on your own can backfire. You are facing off against professionals whose only objective is making a profit for their company. You could find yourself backed into a corner and signing a new agreement with much harsher terms than you deserve. By retaining our experienced attorneys, you get an ally determined to place you in a much better position than when you requested our help. We have specific knowledge and experience that allows us to skillfully negotiate the best terms possible so you and your family can avoid foreclosure.

Stopping home foreclosure at the last minute

Clients often ask us, “When is it too late to stop foreclosure?” Unfortunately, the answer depends on many different circumstances, so it’s impossible to provide a general rule. But don’t be fooled by sites that say the only way to stop foreclosure in its tracks is to declare bankruptcy. It’s true that filing bankruptcy provides an automatic stay so lenders cannot pursue collection efforts, including foreclosure, but bankruptcy is an extreme measure that you should not take lightly.

Our attorneys have been able to halt foreclosures at the 11th hour and to secure terms for our clients that are much more favorable than bankruptcy. Plus, we’re not a “mill” that processes a high volume of clients with little attention to what’s best for them. We are a reputable law firm committed to the highest level of client service and legal ethics. We take the time to learn about your particular circumstances and work diligently to achieve the best possible results for you.

Contact a dedicated Brooklyn attorney for a free consultation on foreclosure defense

To learn how Rubin & Licatesi, P.C. can help you defend your home or business against foreclosure, take advantage of a free consultation with an experienced attorney. Call us at 516-336-3702 or contact our Brooklyn office online. We are conveniently located at 3857 Kings Highway, just off Flatbush Avenue, about 1.5 miles north of Marine Park.