While the economy, including the job market and housing market, is still not in tip-top shape, the general feeling in the United States is that things are looking up. With specific regards to foreclosure, RealtyTrac reports that the nationwide foreclosure rate has decreased by almost 11 percent.
In a frustrating turn of that report, however, Florida residents shouldn’t be so quick to celebrate just yet. The report also indicates that despite the nationwide trend, the first half of this year is proving hazardous for Florida homeowners.
Compared to the first half of 2011, the first half of 2012 has produced more than 22 percent more home foreclosure filings in Florida. That’s a significant increase and, therefore, a reason for homeowners to remain vigilant about their rights to their homes.
Sources suggest that the higher rate of foreclosures this year is connected to the slowing down of the foreclosure process in the past year. After news came out about the unethical practices such as robo-signing that wrongfully put people out of their homes, stricter regulations took over the industry. The regulations and scrutiny likely slowed down the rate of foreclosure, and now this increase in foreclosure filings is those more thoroughly reviewed cases moving forward.
While there has been an intensified focus on the foreclosure process, no homeowner should assume that their case is getting the attention it legally deserves. There is legal help out there that can get to the bottom of your case and help direct you toward a more secure future. Hopefully, that future will include your home. But it should at least include a fair fight for your home based on facts and ethical processes.
Source: The Florida Current, “Florida foreclosures rise in first half of 2012,” July 12, 2012