The Florida Panhandle's Foreclosure Defense Lawyer
David A. Sapp, Attorney at Law
In troubled economic times, there are many reasons why people face foreclosure on their homes. For many, it's the result of long-term unemployment. For others, it can be a consequence of illness or injury. Whatever the reason you're facing foreclosure, you're not alone. Thousands of homeowners are in the same position. Many will give up their homes without a fight, not realizing how much they have to gain by using the services of an experienced foreclosure defense attorney.
Call me today at 850-475-0500 to begin defending your home and family against foreclosure in Northwest Florida including communities in Escambia County, Okaloosa County and Santa Rosa County, Florida. You may also contact me online. Please ask about my affordable, flat-rate fees.
Foreclosure Defenses and/or Alternatives
- Modification your mortgage interest rate.
- Modification of the term of your mortgage.
- Forbearance of payments.
- Short sale, allowing you to sell your house at a price lower than what is owed to the lender. A short sale frees you from any further obligation.
- "Deed in lieu of foreclosure", wherein you deed your property back to the lender without the necessity of a foreclosure action. There are certain pitfalls with this type of transaction and before agreeing to provide a "deed-in-lieu" to your lender, you need to be aware of the potential problems such as a lender's potential right to claim a deficiency.
- Checking the lender's paper trail. If the mortgage company doesn't have proper documentation indicating that it holds your note/mortgage, foreclosure proceedings may be delayed or stopped entirely, forcing the mortgage company to start all over again.
- Truth in Lending, RESPA, and/or Fair Debt Collection Practices Act violations.
For many people, all they really need and want is a little time in order to to regroup and assess the available options. Maybe you just need a little time to find a new job or payoff other pressing obligations; each person's situation is unique. I will help you gain that valuable time by fighting the foreclosure on your home. While litigating the case, you gain valuable time during which we will explore the alternatives available to you, such as renegotiating loan terms, defending the foreclosure based upon possible violations with the original mortgage paperwork, or selling your home.
My Approach to Foreclosure Defense
- I listen carefully to my clients, so I fully understand the circumstances that led to you receiving a foreclosure notice.
- I discuss your various legal options, explaining the downsides and benefits of each one.
- I strive to attain your goals in a cost-effective way.
Mediation
As of April 1, 2009, the Chief Judge in the First Judicial Circuit issued an administrative order requiring all cases involving owner-occupied residential foreclosures, to be submitted to mediation at the Collins Center for Public Policy. Lenders are required to have a representative available who is authorized to discuss the alternatives available to you and settle your case. This administrative order also permits you, the borrower, to be represented by an attorney for the limited purposes of the mediation. Chances of a successful modification and settlement are greatly enhanced if you engage the services of an experienced Florida foreclosure defense attorney. I charge a reduced flat rate fee to attend this court ordered mediation with you.
I am also certified by the state of Florida as a Circuit Court mediator and I am qualified to act as a mediator for the Collins Center for Public Policy pursuant to the First Judicial Circuit administrative order. I can call upon the knowledge and experience as a qualified mediator when handling your particular foreclosure needs.
Call the law office of David A. Sapp today at 850-475-0500 to schedule an appointment. You may also contact me online.