The 10 Most Common Causes of Foreclosure

What Causes Foreclosure? The 10 Most Common Problems Facing Homeowners 

Facing foreclosure can be a terrifying experience. Causes of foreclosure can vary, but the fear of losing your home often comes with feelings of stress, shame, and confusion.

Fortunately, you’re not alone. As a Memphis bankruptcy attorney, I’ve helped thousands of people just like you to protect their homes and reclaim their financial stability. By understanding the most common reasons homeowners face foreclosure, you can start taking steps to avoid it. And if necessary, you can put together solutions before it’s too late.

So here are the most common reasons for foreclosure we see in our office every day, along with some options on next steps to take.

The Top Ten Causes of Foreclosure as Seen by Our Attorneys

1. Job Loss or Reduced Income

Losing a job or experiencing a significant reduction in income is one of the leading causes of foreclosure.

Nearly half of all Americans say they live paycheck to paycheck. And if you don’t have savings to cover your mortgage payments while you search for new work, it’s easy to fall behind quickly. Even with unemployment benefits, many families struggle to pay large monthly expenses like mortgages.

If you lose your job suddenly, reach out to your lender immediately to explore options like temporary forbearance or loan modification until you can get back on your feet.

2. Medical Expenses

A medical emergency or chronic illness can lead to massive medical bills, leaving you struggling to prioritize your expenses. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs can pile up fast and put your mortgage at risk.

If medical debt is overwhelming you, bankruptcy may be an option to help you discharge or reorganize it while keeping your home.

3. Divorce or Separation

When two incomes become one, or legal fees and settlements drain your finances, mortgage payments may become unmanageable. Divorce also brings the question of who will keep the home and whether they can afford it alone.

If divorce-related debt is contributing to foreclosure risk, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy could give you the breathing room to stabilize your finances.

4. Excessive Debt or Issues with Budgeting

Over time, credit card debt, car loans, or other obligations can take a larger share of your income than you can handle. When debts spiral out of control, the mortgage payment can get pushed to the bottom of the priority list.

Make sure to prioritize your mortgage payment above all the other types of debt, especially if you want to avoid foreclosure. In addition, budget counseling or debt restructuring through bankruptcy can help you get back on track while also dealing with those other outstanding debts.

5. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)

Adjustable-rate mortgages are dangerous for many homeowners. While they often start with low, manageable payments, the rates can increase unexpectedly, leaving you with monthly payments you can no longer afford.

Refinancing into a fixed-rate mortgage or getting a loan modification could be your way out of this trap.

However, bear in mind that if you have a lot of debt, the banks may not be willing to negotiate with you. In this case, a bankruptcy attorney could help you set up a repayment plan to get you caught up on your mortgage. Then later, when you’re more financially stable, you can reapply for a better plan with the bank.

6. Emergency Expenses or Natural Disasters

Unexpected emergencies—like a car breakdown, home repairs, or damage from natural disasters—can drain savings and push you into financial distress. If you’re not prepared for these costs, they can quickly lead to missed mortgage payments.

As a first step, look into homeowner relief programs or disaster recovery assistance if you’ve experienced damage to your property. You may also want to reach out to local non-profits and religious organizations, which often set aside funds for this type of relief.

7. Death of a Family Member or Income Earner

When a family member who contributes to the household’s income passes away, the financial strain can be overwhelming. This is especially true if the deceased was the primary breadwinner.

If you’re in this difficult position, contact your lender to discuss hardship options. Under the circumstances, they may be able to set you up with a loan modification or help you refinance to bridge the gap.

8. Rising Property Taxes and Insurance Costs

Even if you’re making your mortgage payments on time, increases in property taxes or homeowners’ insurance can cause an escrow shortage, leading to higher monthly payments. If you can’t keep up, foreclosure could become a threat.

Check if you qualify for any property tax relief programs or reassessment options, especially if you’re a senior or veteran.

9. Predatory Lending or Unfair Loan Terms

Some homeowners fall victim to predatory lenders who offer loans with hidden fees or high-interest rates that become unmanageable. This can lead to defaults and eventual foreclosure.

Our attorneys unfortunately see this problem often. We can help you figure out your best steps moving forward, including making you current on your loan. From there, you’ll want to discuss with your lender how you might modify the terms moving forward.

10. Communicate Breakdown with the Lender

Many homeowners don’t realize that ignoring lender notices only makes things worse. If you don’t respond to calls or letters, the lender will move forward with the foreclosure process faster.

As soon as you start having trouble with payments, reach out to your lender to discuss options like forbearance, repayment plans, or modifications. If none of those options work, contact a bankruptcy lawyer as soon as possible.

Legal Help to Address Foreclosure

If any of these situations sound familiar, you’re not the only one. Foreclosure can feel like the end of the road, but it doesn’t have to be.

I’ve helped countless homeowners in Memphis stop foreclosure and regain control of their finances. The key is to act quickly. The sooner you reach out, the more options you’ll have.

We work with you to address the causes of foreclosure, stop the foreclosure from going through, and help you get a fresh start. And we offer free resources to help you rebuild your credit and create a great life after bankruptcy.

If you’re struggling to keep up with your mortgage or worried about foreclosure, schedule a consultation with me today. Just contact me online using the form below, or call 901-327-2100.

Together, we can explore solutions that protect your home and help you get back on solid financial footing.