What are Your Redemption Rights in Foreclosure?

Redemption rights in foreclosure actually only comethat can be retrieved by fixing the property and
after the homeowner's property is lost through aselling it in the retail market. These are called Equity
foreclosure sale or action. Once the home has beenAgreements and are common in the real estate
lost, some states allow the homeowner the right tobusiness. Equity Agreements stipulate who gets how
"reclaim" his home for varying periods.much of the proceeds from the sale, who pays what
Because of the power the banks have forexpenses and who will be dong the work.
foreclosing, some states decided that thatRemember, if it isn't in writing in the Agreement, it
homeowners should likewise have the right to reclaimisn't going to happen. If you have a question, ask an
their home if their personal circumstances turnaroundattorney before you sign anything.
within a given time period. The homeowner will haveHere are the states that have no redemption period:
to petition the court for a hearing to get his homeArizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa,
back and show "proof of funds" that he is able toLouisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, New
repurchase his home for what is owed plus all theHampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South
associated costs of the foreclosure.Carolina, and Texas. While these sates have no
Proof of funds can are either cash in the bank or aredemption privileges, it is possible to bring legal
pre-approved letter from another lender that is willingaction against the bank with regard to deficiencies in
to fund his buying back his home. The new lenderthe proceeding and mortgage irregularities.
does not have to be a bank but can be a "hardStates that have one year redemptive rights include:
money lender" who will charge the homeowner aAlabama, Idaho (either 6 or 12 months), Kansas,
much higher interest rate and closing points and willKentucky, Maine, North Dakota (6 or 12 months), and
only carry the loan for usually one year. These hardWisconsin (possibly to 12 months).
money lenders are called "predatory lenders" in theThe other states vary greatly because of specific
industry because they are looking to loan amountsterms in the mortgage or deed of trust contracts
that can easily be gotten back if the property isbut range from 10 days to 240 days. It is imperative
foreclosed on and sold at auction.that you consult with someone who is familiar with
The homeowner who lives in one of the states thatyour local foreclosure laws because they vary greatly
has long redemption periods, can solicit local hardfrom state to state, and the sale or auction practices
money lenders or real estate investors to exercisevary from county to county.
his redemptive right if there is equity in the home