Have you just taken out a second mortgage and are wondering if it can foreclose on you? Perhaps you have gone through foreclosure in the past and want to know the chances of it happening again?
Maybe you are just curious about second mortgages and how they work? Whatever your reason is, we have the answer for you!
We know how stressful second mortgages and balancing your finances can be. Often you are left wondering about your rights and the chances of foreclosure.
The fear of missing one payment and losing everything plagues many of us as we lie awake at night. Often, we don’t know what the policies are, and worrying causes us more harm than it should.
Well, no more! Today we are here to banish worrying and get you the answers you need! Keep reading to find out if your second mortgage can foreclose on you and how best to avoid it.
For those in the room that need it, let’s have a little recap before we dive into today’s article!
A second mortgage loan is a separate loan alongside your primary mortgage (that you secured to purchase your home and pay off in monthly installments).
Second mortgages are often taken out to pay for large purchases, like a new car, college fees, or in some cases, used as a downpayment on a second home.
You then pay your second mortgage off in installments as your first mortgage or any other loan. Before opting for a second mortgage, consider your budget; you will now have two monthly payments leaving your account and should be sure that you can afford this before proceeding.
These mortgages tend to have higher interest rates than first mortgages, meaning you will end up paying back more than you borrowed.
However, the interest rates tend to be lower than those on personal bank loans or credit cards, making them a cheaper way to borrow money for some people.
Second mortgages also tend to be expensive to take out and are suitable for those with the cash to make these larger payments. You have to pay the closing costs upfront, like with a first mortgage, so be sure you can afford this before taking out a second mortgage!
They are subject to approval and tend to be approved for people who have a fair amount of equity in their homes, especially if they are taking out a large second mortgage.
If you are considering a second mortgage, be sure to read all the fine print before making any decisions! Check that you meet the criteria and speak to a financial advisor before moving forward if you have any concerns or questions.
The criteria, application process, and approval time vary from lender to lender, so be sure to direct your questions to them for accurate answers!
Now that we have covered what a second mortgage is, let’s move on to see if they can foreclose on you or not.
Let’s get straight into it! Yes, your second mortgage can foreclose on you. Your second lender (with whom you have the second mortgage) can foreclose at any time after you have defaulted on the loan.
To avoid this, make sure that you make your payments on time. Not only will missing payments lead you to late payment fees and the risk of foreclosure, but it can impact your credit score, too, making it harder to secure loans in the future.
The rules around second mortgages and foreclosures can vary from state to state, so we recommend checking with financial advisors in your area what the rules are before taking out a second mortgage. It’s always best to know what could happen should anything go wrong!
However, as a general rule, your first mortgage loan should be paid off in full when your second mortgage forecloses. Paying off your first mortgage in full then makes your second mortgage a priority, where you will need to clear the debt quickly.
This can involve selling your home, vehicle, or other items to secure the money quickly. Often, the lender will step in and sell your home for foreclosure, keeping the money for themselves.
But should your second mortgage foreclose, your first mortgage can also demand money. The first lender has the right to demand payment (as they can view you as unable to continue making payments on the loan).
In these cases, they can even take any surplus funds selling your house has generated to cover your loan repayments.
Foreclosures can be stressful and upsetting times and should be avoided at all costs. Your first mortgage lender doesn’t even need to trigger a foreclosure; if you miss your payments on your second mortgage, they can foreclose your loan, leaving you with limited time to gather the funds.
Be sure to make your loan payments on time to avoid this and speak to a financial advisor or your lender if you encounter any difficulties.
Now you might be wondering, but what if my first mortgage forecloses?
If your first mortgage goes into foreclosure, then your other liens (second mortgage included) will be removed from your mortgage. Your second mortgage becomes its own entity that has to be paid.
In short, your second mortgage will still need to be paid back if your first foreclosure. To avoid the second mortgage foreclosing on you, be sure to make your payments on time.
If you do find yourself struggling to make the payments, be sure to speak to your lender. In most cases, they can arrange to change the payments or set up different payment plans that might be better suited to you.
It’s better to do this than stop paying altogether (which can impact your credit score). Don’t struggle in silence; speak to your lender or a financial advisor who can offer you help tailored to your experience.
Final Word
And just like that, we have come to the end of our foreclosure journey today! As you can see, your second mortgage can foreclose on you, even without the first mortgage already foreclosing! You will then need to pay the money quickly, often by selling your property or other assets.
Remember that your second mortgage needs to be paid on time, just like any other mortgage or loan, but there are options should you run into difficulty. Be sure to speak to a professional and not suffer in silence!
