What is a foreclosure?
When a borrower doesn’t perform their financial obligations, a lender may legally seize and sell a home or other property. This method is called foreclosure. There are various types of foreclosures in Arizona.
- The trustee’s sale procedure is the most used in Arizona. When the lender decides to foreclose on the borrower’s property, there are laws governing the process. Normally the trustee’s sale, in comparison to other processes, is cheaper and quicker (at least 90 days). In this method, there is no court involvement.
- The second process is a judicial foreclosure. This is a court procedure. Therefore, it is more expensive and takes longer. The advantage for the lender is that a deficiency action could be brought against the borrower or guarantor. The homeowners’ association (“HOA”), or those who purchased back taxes may also use this court process.
- The sheriff’s sale comes after the judicial foreclosure. As was already mentioned, the process begins in court. The task of selling the property is then given to the sheriff. Lenders, HOAs, and investors in back taxes normally use this.
The following will explain a few of the fundamentals of Trustee’s Sale.
If you fall behind on your mortgage payments in Arizona, the trustee’s sale is one of the things your lender can do. A judicial foreclosure is the second option. The trustee’s sale is often chosen because it lets the lender move faster and costs less than the judicial foreclosure.
Quick Links to Articles & Resources
Learn more about the Trustee’s Sale process by clicking on the following link.
Visit “Trustee’s Sale Process”
Our frequently asked questions includes many questions about: foreclosure rescue scams, the trustee’s sale process, if you have a VA loan, living in the property and excess sale proceeds.
Visit Trustee Sale FAQs
(As of May 28, 2018 this became permanent Federal law. Also see links at bottom to Arizona Landlord Tenant Act)
by Attorney Janet Portman Protecting Tenants in Foreclosure Act – Federal legislation signed in May 2009 gives important rights to tenants whose landlords have lost their properties through foreclosure. The mortgage industry crisis that started in 2006 has resulted in thousands — no, make that millions — of foreclosed homes. Most of the occupants are the homeowners themselves, who must scramble to find alternate housing with very little notice. They’re being joined by scores of renters who discover, often with no warning, that their rented house or apartment is now owned by a bank, which wants them out.
Read More by visiting
Property which is pledged as collateral on a debt will sometimes be surrendered to the creditor if the debtor is unable to make payments.
The rise in incidents of foreclosure of homeowner mortgages across the nation is but one aspect of this. Repossessions of cars and mobile homes are also common occurrences in the current economic environment. This article explores the income tax consequences to the borrower which may ensue from surrendering property to satisfy a debt. In general there are two tax aspects to consider: (1) recognition of gain or loss on the transaction and (2) recognition of cancellation of indebtedness (COD) income.
Read More about this by visiting the link below
Tax Issues in short sales, trustee and sales and foreclosures, by Robert Ciancola
Visit “Sue on the Note or Foreclose on the Property – what is the difference?” by Stephanie Monroe Wilson. An Arizona attorney
Visit “Buying Tax Liens: Not an Entirely Gold Plated Investment“, by Chris McNichol, an Arizona Attorney
“Tax Lien Sales Winner for County (but not investors)“, by Mike Fimea, Arizona Business Gazette, February 19, 2004, volume 124
When deciding whether to fight to keep your home or let the lender foreclose, it’s important to know what the lender’s processes are.
How long before my house has equity?
Find out by using the calculator below. This tool will allow you to calculate when you will have equity in your home.
The principal and interest make up the majority of your mortgage payment. The main is the amount borrowed, while the interest is the fee paid to the lender. Your lender may additionally collect an additional sum each month to place in escrow, which the lender (or servicer) normally pays directly to the local property tax collector and your insurance provider.
Mortgage Repayment Calculator
mortgage payment calculator provided by bankrate.com
Clients from all across Arizona have put their trust in us
We were extremely pleased
"We were extremely pleased!" Anonymous We were extremely pleased with the quality and level of support you and Jay provided. We had shopped around a bit before contacting you and once we did the comparison with other attorneys and bankruptcy “mills” was extremely and significantly positive. [...]
This attorney educates clients
"This attorney educates clients!" Anonymous This attorney educates clients on the bankruptcy process and helps them correctly complete the steps needed to reach the end of the process in a timely manner. She is thorough, professional and compassionate.
Great attorney
"Great attorney" J. I live in Las Vegas and had a legal matter involving bankruptcy. My attorney in Las Vegas informed me that I would need an attorney from Arizona since the claim was filed in Arizona. I knew no one so went online and searched for Arizona attorneys. [...]
Diane helped guide me through the bankruptcy every step of the way, with a very calm demeanor
Diane helped guide me through the bankruptcy every step of the way, with a very calm demeanor. D.W. If you have to file bankruptcy, I recommend you hire Diane Drain. After speaking to 3 other bankruptcy attorneys before Diane, I believe I know the difference between a knowledgeable, professional, [...]
Again, thank you
"Again, thank you." D & J Again, thank you. You made this unpleasant experience very calming and reassuring for both me and my wife.
My wife and I would highly recommend Diane Drain
"My wife and I would highly recommend Diane Drain." R. My wife and I would highly recommend Diane Drain to any one who is considering bankruptcy. She handled our case professionally and in a very timely manner. Diane and her team made a long, frustrating process pretty painless. Thank [...]
Everything takes time
“Everything takes time” D.J. Everything takes time. Your help was outstanding and I am at the end now. Thank you for your patience. You and Jay get five stars from me!
Her knowledge and ability to ask the right questions enabled myself to have a plan of action
Her knowledge and ability to ask the right questions enabled myself to have a plan of action. L.G. I can’t begin to adequately express how professional, caring and dialed in Ms. Drain was when I consulted with her. Her knowledge and ability to ask the right questions enabled myself [...]
Thank you so much for all your hard work
"Thank you so much for all your hard work" M.C. Thank you so much for all your hard work on my case. I appreciate all your support and compassion through a very difficult process.
Diane and Jay were very knowledgeable, professional and supportive
"Diane and Jay were very knowledgeable, professional and supportive!" April Filing bankruptcy was a very difficult choice and experience. But, Diane and Jay were very knowledgeable, professional and supportive throughout the process. Your team made the honor roll in a perfect grade.
Diane and Jay are very knowledgeable, and they guided me from beginning to end.
“Diane and Jay are very knowledgeable, and they guided me from beginning to end.” M.M. Diane and Jay are very knowledgeable, and they guided me from beginning to end. They were so organized, that each step was calculated. They are very nice, compassionate and professional. Thank you, [...]
You folks are the BEST OF THE BEST in Arizona
“You folks are the BEST OF THE BEST in Arizona” M.H. You and Jay are the best attorneys I have ever had or needed and thank God for the Honorable Robert Gottsfield in recommending you folks – I would have never made it through the entire process [...]
Diane and Jay are the Best
“Diane told me how to file a complaint against Scott Forrester and ask the State Bar for my money back.” D.B. Diane and Jay have been wonderful to work with, they are really the best. I found them after paying Scott Forrester and finding out he was [...]
ou are a caring person, and most understanding
"ou are a caring person, and most understanding!" S & G In our eyes you are all A’s. You helped us so much. We are thankful for you and all your help. You are a caring person, and most understanding. You took time for us at a time [...]
They provided a balance of head and heart combined with expertise
"They provided a balance of head and heart combined with expertise!" R.F. She and her team are responsive, knowledgeable, efficient, trustworthy, good communicators, detail-oriented, well-connected, caring and compassionate. They provided a balance of head and heart combined with expertise and appropriate action to get it done. Being a well-established [...]
Experienced and excellent. 5.0 stars
"Experienced and excellent. 5.0 stars" M.R. Diane did a tremendous job preparing me for my bankruptcy. She educated me thoroughly about the process and stressed the importance of following all the steps as concisely as possible. Her rates are very reasonable, and I cannot recommend her highly [...]
Diane and Jay helped out a family member file a bankruptcy.
"Some firms make you feel like a number and just want you to do the bankruptcy that benefits them more. Not Diane." S.E. Diane and Jay helped out a family member file a bankruptcy. They were very easy to work with during a their difficult time. Compassionate and [...]
You will have to put in the required time and effort, but Diane’s processes and methodology does work
“You will have to put in the required time and effort, but Diane’s processes and methodology does work” A & N.S. I have worked in the demanding High Technology Industry for over 40 years and have been involved with many stressful and high pressure business situations worldwide. [...]
Exciting Update for Student Loan Borrowers
IMPORTANT PROGRESS FOR STUDENT LOAN BORROWERS WHO HAVE BEEN IN REPAYMENT TWO DECADES OR MORE Posting from the National Consumer Law Center Important [...]
DOD announces Six New Measures to Help Military and Their Families
DOD to Help Military and Their Families SIX New Measures to Enhance Well-Being Release from US Department of Defense, March 22, 2023 Secretary [...]
File Tax Returns – Even If Not Required
PEOPLE MAY WANT TO FILE A TAX RETURN – EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO Posting from the IRS & Filing [...]
How to Avoid Dishonest Debt Collectors – video
Want to avoid dishonest debt collectors? Watch this video from FTC’s Consumer Advice By Joseph Ferrari,July 22, 2022 (reprint from [...]