Table of Contents
- The Homeowners’ Story in Taunton (#the-homeowners-story-in-taunton)
- Our Attempt to Halt the Foreclosure (#our-attempt-to-halt-the-foreclosure)
- Understanding the Massachusetts Foreclosure Process (#understanding-the-massachusetts-foreclosure-process)
- When Foreclosure Might Be the Better Option (#when-foreclosure-might-be-the-better-option)
- Alternatives to Foreclosure: What You Can Do (#alternatives-to-foreclosure-what-you-can-do)
- FAQs on Foreclosure in MA (#faqs-on-foreclosure-in-ma)
Imagine calling for help just days before losing your home – that’s the reality for many facing foreclosure in Massachusetts. In 2025, Massachusetts saw one foreclosure per 6,655 housing units, often due to unexpected hardships like a health crisis. This story from Taunton highlights the emotional and practical challenges of stopping foreclosure in Taunton, MA and explores viable foreclosure options in MA to help you navigate similar situations. And in this case, it may have been one of the rare situations where a Massachusetts foreclosure may have been the better income.
The Homeowners’ Story in Taunton
These homeowners’ stories really pull at the heartstrings, especially when health issues are involved—no one chooses foreclosure. In this case, the husband (let’s call him John) had just finished cancer treatment and was in remission. His wife (Julie) had suffered a stroke years ago, preventing her from working due to short-term memory loss and physical limitations, like difficulty climbing stairs.
They managed their mortgage payments until John’s prostate cancer diagnosis forced him out of work. Julie couldn’t secure employment to cover the gap. To make matters worse, their house was in severe disrepair: a leaking roof, collapsed ceilings, piles of trash and debris, leaking pipes, and a rotted exterior. It was on the verge of becoming uninhabitable—and already unlivable for most people.
We estimated the mortgage payoff around $250,000, with the home’s value barely higher at $260,000. While we weren’t interested in buying, we wanted to help with their foreclosure options in MA, considering their health hardships.
Our Attempt to Halt the Foreclosure
They reached out just three days before the auction, making the chances of stopping foreclosure in Massachusetts slim. But we gave it our best effort. Our plan: Submit paperwork to the bank to pause the process, then list the house for sale. At best, it could fetch a higher price; at worst, it would delay the auction by 60 days.
We rushed everything to the bank that day, but they refused to halt it. They informed us of the continuance just seven minutes before the auction—typical, as banks rarely stop foreclosures on the day unless paid off in full.
So why is this one of the rare situations where it might have actually been better for the bank to foreclose on the homeowners? More on that in a couple of moments.
Understanding the Massachusetts Foreclosure Process
The Massachusetts foreclosure process can be overwhelming, but knowing the steps helps. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Notice of Default: Lenders send this after missed payments, starting the clock.
- Right to Cure: You have 90-150 days to catch up, depending on the loan.
- Auction: If unresolved, the home sells at public auction.
- Post-Auction: Ownership transfers, but you retain some rights.
For more details, check official resources from Massachusetts Legal Help.
Post-Foreclosure Tenant Rights
You don’t have to vacate immediately after foreclosure. Homeowners gain tenant rights, requiring the new owner (bank or investor) to file for eviction through courts. This can take months—or over a year in complex cases.
In John’s and Julie’s situation, with their health issues, a judge is unlikely to evict quickly. They could draw it out, living rent-free while negotiating cash-for-keys programs, where banks pay to vacate peacefully. Even utilities like water become the bank’s responsibility.
When Foreclosure Might Be the Best Option
Surprisingly, this was one rare case where foreclosure might have been the better outcome. As I explained to Julie, they could stay as tenants, potentially for a year or more, and receive cash for keys from the bank.
Flipping it: Even if they caught up on payments, the home’s deterioration would continue without repair funds. It could be condemned, forcing them out anyway. The downside? A foreclosure on their record hurts credit, making future renting or borrowing tough. See more on Massachusetts tenant rights after foreclosure.
But with health hardships, courts often show leniency, turning a negative into a temporary buffer.
Alternatives to Foreclosure: What You Can Do
Don’t wait—explore these foreclosure options in MA to avoid or mitigate the process:
- Loan Modification: Work with your lender to adjust terms, like lowering interest rates for affordable payments.
- Short Sale: Sell below the payoff amount with lender approval—ideal for underwater mortgages.
- Deed in Lieu: Voluntarily transfer the deed to the lender to avoid auction.
- Bankruptcy: File to temporarily halt the sale and reorganize finances.
- Sell My House Fast Massachusetts: Get a quick cash offer to pay off debts and move on without auction stress.
If you’re facing foreclosure in Massachusetts, contact us for a cash offer for your home today.
For recent foreclosure statistics in Massachusetts, trends show slight increases, emphasizing the need to act fast.
FAQs on Foreclosure in MA
Can health issues delay eviction after foreclosure?
Yes, courts consider hardships like strokes or cancer, often extending timelines for compassionate reasons.
How long after foreclosure can I stay in my home?
As a tenant, it could be months to over a year, depending on the eviction process.
What is cash for keys in Massachusetts?
It’s an incentive where the bank pays you to leave voluntarily, avoiding court costs—common in post-foreclosure scenarios.
How do I prevent foreclosure due to health issues?
Explore loan forbearance or modifications; document medical hardships to negotiate with lenders.
Is a short sale better than foreclosure?
Often yes—it avoids the full credit hit and allows control over the sale.
Conclusion
John and Julie’s story shows that while stopping foreclosure in Taunton, MA, isn’t always possible, understanding the Massachusetts foreclosure process and exploring alternatives can lead to better outcomes. Time is critical—don’t let the bank dictate your future.
Facing a foreclosure in Massachusetts? Reach out to find out your options before it’s too late. You need to act now to avoid foreclosure Taunton MA and prevent the bank from taking control. Got questions or want to learn how our process works for sell my house fast Massachusetts? We’re here to help you navigate the next chapter!