When a house is foreclosed, the reasoning behind it seems simple enough. The purchaser of the home was unable to afford the property and it was re-possessed by the bank or mortgager. However, a number of foreclosures in the United States has risen substantially enough to be concerning. In 2013 alone, one in every 96 homes reported one foreclosure. This prompts the question: what may be influencing this increase in foreclosures?

Lack of knowledge regarding the foreclosure process
One of the possible reasons behind the number of foreclosures is that homeowners aren’t familiar with the foreclosure process. Did you know that the state of California, for instance, has laws that regulate the opportunities and notices given to homeowners? This gives them a chance to pay the bank or mortgaging company before their property can be sold. Sadly, many homeowners are unaware of these opportunities.

If you’re unable to pay the mortgage on your home, you are also able to apply for forbearance before you go into default. Be sure to contact your bank or mortgaging company to consider your options before filing for foreclosure.

Zoning restriction
A zoning restriction, or zoning, is the division of a municipality into areas in which land can only be used for certain things such as residential use, farming, etc. While a zoning restriction is common enough, it may also have factored into the foreclosure crisis.

According to Tenants Together, “communities that zoned too strictly for the development of large, single-family homes have a higher risk for foreclosure when compared to areas that accommodate a broader spectrum of housing options.”

In other words, if too much housing is placed in the same high-price zone, then homebuyers who are unwilling to move elsewhere are forced to purchase a home they cannot afford only to fall to foreclosure within a series of years.

Failing to hire a real estate attorney
While not everyone needs an attorney, they can be highly beneficial, especially during real estate law cases such as a foreclosure case. A real estate attorney knows how to utilize evidence to its fullest extent and if anything was tampered with or illegally obtained, an attorney is more likely to notice and will be able to argue on your behalf. Without an attorney, your case may easily be lost.

Foreclosure is a difficult process. Ease your stress by keeping yourself informed about the legal process. Hire a real estate lawyer to help reduce anxiety during your case, and know you are not alone.