Despite the best-laid plans and dreams for the future, losing a home to foreclosure is a reality that many will face. In fact, 10,305,607 total housing units were foreclosed on in Texas just during August. What’s worse is that it’s possible that your partner or landlord could be facing foreclosure but is choosing to hide it for monetary, personal or legal reasons.
Watching for specific signs can give you a head’s up that all is not well with your current home. Spotting the signs of foreclosure as early as possible can give you a jump ahead towards protecting yourself, your living situation and your rights.
Foreclosure signs to watch for
It’s smart to be aware of any of the following situations happening even if it seems minor at the time:
- Letters or notices from a bank, local court or lawyer’s office
- Any attempts to serve legal papers
- A stranger asking for your landlord or the owner of the house but not identifying the company they are with
- Any notices posted around the house or property
- Utilities being shut off or warning letters about shutting them off
- Ignoring requests for repairs from you, other tenants, or the city
- Disrespectful behavior such as ignoring you or creating an unpleasant living situation in an attempt to get you to move out
- Changes in landlord or homeowner behavior such as being more stressed, aggressive or unreliable
- Calls or notices referring to violations or eviction proceedings from the owner of the home or your landlord
If you are suspicious about a foreclosure happening in your living situation, a great tip is to search the internet for the companies or lawyers you see on letters or signs. It can be easy to find the businesses focused on foreclosures and ahead to protect yourself from what is coming.
If you have questions or concerns about the possibility of foreclosure, then it can be wise to consult an attorney as soon as possible to learn about your legal options as well as any steps you might take to stop or avoid a foreclosure.