Irving Foreclosure Lawyer

The reality of foreclosure is devastating for anyone to go through. No matter the circumstances that led to you falling behind on your mortgage, you deserve to have help during this stressful time. Working with an Irving foreclosure lawyer can give you the tools you need to take back control of your life.

At Steele Law Firm, PLLC, our skilled legal team has over 16 years of professional experience protecting the legal rights of our Texas neighbors and community members. Our firm focuses on bankruptcy and foreclosure cases, and we operate on the belief that, given the right tools, our clients can take back control of their lives during difficult times.

Foreclosure is the legal process a lender uses to take back a property when the homeowner doesn’t make mortgage payments. The lender can then sell the property to recover the owed money.

In October 2025, 25,129 homes in the United States began the foreclosure process. This is a 20% increase from the same period in 2024. It’s becoming more difficult for homeowners to keep up. In 2023, the average home value in Irving was $287,300, and that value is only increasing as the years go by. 

In Texas, the main ways a lender can foreclose on a property include:

1. Non-judicial foreclosure, also called a power-of-sale foreclosure. This type of foreclosure lets the lender sell the property without going to court, but only if the deed of trust includes a power-of-sale clause. 
2. Expedited foreclosure, sometimes called quasi-judicial foreclosure. This type of foreclosure is used in specific cases with home equity loans, reverse mortgages, or homeowners’ association liens. The court can allow this type to move faster, similar to a non-judicial sale.
3. Judicial foreclosure. This happens when the lender files a case against the homeowner and must get a court judgment before selling the property. This is typically overseen by the George Allen Courts Building, located at 600 Commerce Street in Dallas. This type is not common.

Before a foreclosure sale in Texas, the homeowner is first notified if they’re behind on payments. Federal rules say a foreclosure generally can’t start until the mortgage is 120 days past due. If the lender qualifies, they can ask the court for an expedited foreclosure, which allows the property to be sold more quickly without a full court judgment. In a judicial foreclosure, once the court issues a foreclosure judgment, the clerk issues an order of sale to sell the property.

If you’re at risk of foreclosure in Texas, there are several ways to avoid losing your home, including: 

• Reinstatement. Texas law allows a reinstatement period for homeowners facing foreclosure. This means they can stop the foreclosure by paying the past-due amount, usually within 20 days of getting the notice, though the loan documents may allow more time. 
• Loan modification. This lets you change your mortgage terms, such as lowering the interest rate or extending the term, to make payments more affordable. 
• Refinancing. This replaces your old loan with a new one. This new loan typically has better terms if you have enough equity and credit.
• A repayment plan. This spreads past-due payments over time, and a forbearance agreement temporarily reduces or pauses payments while you recover financially.
• A short sale. This lets you sell the property for less than what you owe. While having its own financial consequences, it allows you to avoid foreclosure.
• Filing for bankruptcy. This can temporarily stop foreclosure and give you a chance to catch up on payments.

If you’re facing foreclosure, be sure to hire a foreclosure lawyer to help you explore all the options available to you.

Q: How Can an Attorney Help Me During the Foreclosure Process?

A: A lawyer can make sure your rights as a homeowner are protected during the foreclosure process. An asset attorney understands the full extent of state and federal foreclosure laws, can review your mortgage documents, and can advise you on the right steps to take for your unique situation. They can spot any mistakes or illegal practices by your lender and act on your behalf. Attorneys can also negotiate with lenders for loan modifications, repayment plans, or short sales. 

Q: Does a Foreclosure Impact Your Credit Score?

A: Foreclosure can have a major impact on your credit score. It can stay on your credit report for up to seven years. The missed payments leading up to the foreclosure often lower your score even before the foreclosure sale happens. Lenders may then view you as a higher-risk borrower. This can make it harder to get new loans, credit cards, or even to buy a car or home. Any credit you get may come with much higher interest rates.

Q: Can My Homeowners’ Association Foreclose on My Property?

A: Yes, in some cases, a homeowners’ association (HOA) can foreclose on a home if the owner falls behind on paying HOA fees. First, they have to place a lien on the home, which lets them get paid from your property if you don’t pay what you owe. If a home with a lien is sold during foreclosure, the HOA gets paid from the sale proceeds. If you’re facing this situation in Irving, a foreclosure attorney may be able to help.

Q: What Is a Deficiency Judgment? 

A: A deficiency judgment happens if, during foreclosure, your home sells for less than what you owe on your mortgage. The lender can take legal action within two years to recover the remaining balance from you. You can ask the court to figure out the fair market value of your home on the foreclosure date, which can reduce the amount you owe. Any payments the lender receives from private mortgage insurance must be applied before a deficiency claim is filed.

Reach out to Steele Law Firm, PLLC, today to schedule your confidential consultation at our Fort Worth location. During such a challenging time, you deserve to have a strong support system on your side. Let our firm take care of the legal side of things so you can get the most positive outcome possible in your case.