In general what are the stages?
In very broad terms.............
1. Arrears
2. Warning letter
3. Arrears
4. Warning letter
5. Borrower contacts lender or not.
6. Borrowers tries to reach some kind of agreement . Or does not.
7. If agreement reached on something, agreement implemented.Or not.
8. If not, threat of Court proceedings.
9. More negotiation. Or not.
10. If not, enforcement proceedings issue.
11. More negotiation. Or not.
12.If not, lender makes a Court application to take possession of property and sell as Mortgagee in possession.
13. Court appearance where either (a) borrower appears and again tries to stave off repossession or (b) no appearance . Court may adjourn to see if any further negotiation possible.
14. Ultimately, if no agreement reached or agreement is breached Court will grant an Order for repossession normally with a stay of execution.
15. if no agreement reached, stay will expire. Lender seeks voluntary repossession i.e. borrower leaves house and surrenders keys. If no voluntary vacation, lender asks sherriff to execute order.
16. Sherriff takes possession. Joe Duffy intervenes. Or not.
17. House sells or not. If sale price clears mortgage entirely and the now massive costs, any surplus returned to borrower. If no surplus, borrower remains liable for the difference.
Lesson. Always try to negotiate. Take proper advice. Keep in touch with lender.
Each case is different.
mf