Saving Your Home While Filing Bankruptcy

The American dream, as we all know, is owning our own home. This is a very important investment, one where we see our children grow up and where we enjoy so many family moments. The dream is built. Is is not merely an investment, but is where we reside, and where our joys flourish. A place to call home, relax, kick up our feet, lay our heads. At all cost it is something you want to protect.

Although many of us are ashamed of filing bankruptcy, it is something that many of us have to endure, due to poor credit, overwhelming debt, businesses gone bad or poor investments and financial decisions. Many people are scared to file for bankruptcy because it raises the question, “Will I be able to save my home while filing for bankruptcy?” Many people think that saving their home is out of the question when filing for bankruptcy and in return raises guilt, questions about their family’s future and many various overwhelming burdens.

You will be pleased to learn that it is not out of the question to save your home and you can do this successfully when filing for bankruptcy. “How is that possible?” you may ponder. “Bankruptcy won’t put my home at a risk?” In an effort to save their homes from reaching foreclosure, many people will file for bankruptcy. With Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing, a good chance will be that you will be able to keep your home, yet still be required to continue with mortgage payments as well as paying back payments if any were missed.

There are first steps in dealing with bankruptcy and your home. First you have to figure out how much equity you have in your home. When you have reached this answer, subtract the amount still owed from that amount. This will tell you the amount of equity you have. If you have $185,000 worth of mortgage loans owed, and your house is worth $200,000, $15,000 would be your home equity.

The current federal homestead exemption is $18,450. If you have less than $18,450 in equity, you may be able to keep it. If you have more than the exemption amount, you may be at risk of losing your home. Before filing for bankruptcy it is recommended that you check your home’s worth, amount of equity and proceed from there. Keeping your home is not out of the question and you may be able to keep your home while filing for bankruptcy. Contacting an experienced bankruptcy lawyer should be your first step, once you have your papers in order.