As prices continue to rise, more and more homeowners are looking at a bleak reality when it comes to their mortgage, particularly in Central Florida.

A recent report by Attom Data showed Florida and, particularly the Central Florida area, is leading the country in mortgage foreclosures. In fact, one out of roughly every 1,800 homes in the state has filed for foreclosure, with Osceola County having the highest rate in the state.

Anyone who has experienced the possible loss of their home to a foreclosure knows this can be among the most stressful times in a person’s life.

The good news is that help is available for homeowners, even if they have missed just one payment. In fact, the earlier a homeowner engages with an attorney about their financial situation, the better off the homeowner can be in the end.

Particularly, homeowners should not wait until a lawsuit is filed. An early legal review can act as a stabilizing force, giving a homeowner clarity, leverage and a roadmap long before timelines start to close in.

The attorneys at The Orlando Law Group specialize in real estate law and helping people in Orlando, Sanford, Winter Garden and Kissimmee with their financial issues, including coordinating with your lender about missed payments and a possible foreclosure.

Understanding the rules

Foreclosure is not a simple process. It involves pages and pages of contracts and is governed by very specific state statutes and timelines. Missed notices, misunderstood deadlines or incomplete paperwork can accidentally accelerate the process.

While it may seem like the process is stacked against the homeowner, there are many guardrails to help keep a homeowner in their home.

Of course, someone has to know the rules to be able to use them and that is where an attorney comes in. They work with lenders every day and have been doing so for years.

An attorney can help explain:

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