Foreclosure

Business, Legal & Accounting Glossary

Definition: Foreclosure


Foreclosure

Quick Summary of Foreclosure


The forced sale of real estate to pay off a loan on which the owner of the property has defaulted. The legal process by which an owner’s right to a property is terminated, usually due to default. Typically involves a forced sale of the property at public auction, with the proceeds being applied to the mortgage debt.




What is the dictionary definition of Foreclosure?

Dictionary Definition


The proceeding, by a creditor, to regain property or other collateral following a default on mortgage payments

n. the system by which a party who has loaned money secured by a mortgage or deed of trust on real property (or has an unpaid judgment), requires sale of the real property to recover the money due, unpaid interest, plus the costs of foreclosure, when the debtor fails to make payment. After the payments on the promissory note (which is evidence of the loan) have become delinquent for several months (time varies from state to state), the lender can have a notice of default served on the debtor (borrower) stating the amount due and the amount necessary to “cure” the default. If the delinquency and costs of foreclosure are not paid within a specified period, then the lender (or the trustee in states using deeds of trust) will set a foreclosure date, after which the property may be sold at public sale. Up to the time of foreclosure (or even afterwards in some states) the defaulting borrower can pay all delinquencies and costs (which are then greater due to foreclosure costs) and “redeem” the property. Upon sale of the property the amount due is paid to the creditor (lender or owner of the judgment) and the remainder of the money received from the sale, if any, is paid to the lender. There is also judicial foreclosure in which the lender can bring suit for foreclosure against the defaulting borrower for the delinquency and force a sale. This is used in several states with the mortgage system or in deed of trust states when it appears that the amount due is greater than the equity value of the real property, and the lender wishes to get a deficiency judgment for the amount still due after sale. This is not necessary in those states which give deficiency judgments without filing a lawsuit when the foreclosure is upon the mortgage or deed of trust.


Full Definition of Foreclosure


Foreclosure is the weapon of last resort for a Mortgagee (a lender, typically) when the mortgagee (borrower) is unable or unwilling to comply with his obligations. If successful, foreclosure destroys the mortgagor’s interest in the land and vests it in the mortgagee (s.88-9 Lpa (1925)). Typically the mortgagee will institute foreclosure proceedings and obtain an order of foreclosure nisi. This will give the mortgagee a fixed time (usually six months) to settle up; after this, the mortgagee can go to court again and obtain an order of foreclosure absolute.

Foreclosure has a devastating effect on the mortgagee, and it is often argued that it should not even be available in modern times.


Related Phrases


forbearance
judicial foreclosure
right of redemption


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March 29, 2024 https://payrollheaven.com/define/foreclosure/.
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Foreclosure. PayrollHeaven.com. Payroll & Accounting Heaven Ltd.
https://payrollheaven.com/define/foreclosure/ (accessed: March 29, 2024).
American Psychological Association (APA):
Foreclosure. PayrollHeaven.com. Retrieved March 29, 2024
, from PayrollHeaven.com website: https://payrollheaven.com/define/foreclosure/

Definition Sources


Definitions for Foreclosure are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 2nd November, 2021 | 0 Views.