Myth: Filing For Bankruptcy Means Losing Your Home

By Larry Leeds

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 can successfully salvage your home while filing for bankruptcy and I am here to alert you that saving your home is not out of the question. So many questions are raised regarding the home and bankruptcy, such as how is this possible, and won't my home be at risk if I file for bankruptcy. People have found that they didn't have to be subjected to foreclosure when they filed for bankruptcy. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, for example, would bring a good chance of keeping your home and you will be required to continue making mortgage payments, and paying back any missed payments if this applies.

How much equity you have in your home is the first thing you must figure out. Once you do analyze your home's current worth, subtract what you still owe from that amount. That will decipher your equity amount. If your house is worth $200,000, for example, and you have $185,000 of mortgage loans still owed, $15,000 would be your home equity.

There is a current federal homestead exemption and that amount is $18,450. If $18,450 or less is what you have in equity, you may be able to keep it. If it is more than the exemption amount stated, you possibly may be at risk of losing your home. Before proceeding with filing for bankruptcy, the recommendation is checking your home's worth, the amount of equity and continue thereon. Do not be fearful of losing your home, you may be able to keep it. Once you have your papers in order, an experienced bankruptcy lawyer should be the first one you contact. - 29971

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