In a move that reflects the long-lasting foreclosure crisis in San Diego, foreclosure auctions will be banned from the courthouse steps of San Diego Superior Courthouse in downtown.

San Diego foreclosure auctions have been held at the downtown courthouse since the building was built in the 1960s, but increased crowds have caused security concerns. In the past, foreclosure auctions drew a relatively modest amount of bidders. However, the days of three or four bidders at foreclosure auctions are over, with many recent auctions drawing crowds numbering in the hundreds of spectators and bidders.

Security concerns prompted the Sheriff's Department to recommend that the sales be banned at the courthouse. On July 1, San Diego Superior Court Judge Kevin A. Enright signed an order banning the auctions. The order will go into effect on September 1.

Traditionally, foreclosure sales were conducted by the courts. Therefore, the foreclosure sales also occurred at the courthouse. However, courts no longer conduct the vast majority of foreclosure sales. A court spokesman states that the auctions have essentially been conducted by people doing private business on public property.

Foreclosure is a tough thing for any homeowner to go through. As this story illustrates, foreclosures are all too common in the San Diego area. But, there are ways of stopping foreclosures and homeowners can assert their rights.

Seeking bankruptcy protection is one possible way to stop foreclosure. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a homeowner's debt is restructured and a repayment plan is set up. If you have questions about how bankruptcy can stop foreclosure, an experienced bankruptcy attorney can help.

Source: SignOnSanDiego.com, "Foreclosure auctions banned from courthouse steps," Lily Leung, 11 July 2011