Homeowners

Homeowner Tips to Avoid Foreclosure

• Do not ignore the problem
• Contact your lender as soon as you realize you have a problem.  Ask for the “Loss Mitigation Department” or the “Work Out” desk, where they may be help you with your payments. Be honest: lenders do not want your house. They may have options to help borrowers get through difficult times. Open and respond to all mail received from your lender.
• Don’t abandon your home. Stay in it while you work things out with the lender. You can lose eligibility for some assistance programs if you move out of your home.
• Understand your options. Information can be found on the internet at www.hud.gov/foreclosure/index.cfm and www.fha.gov/foreclosure/index.cfm
• Get outside advice. Find a HUD-approved housing counselor in your area by calling 1-800-569-4287 or on the internet at www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm, or contact the Homeownership Preservation Foundation Hotline at 1-888-995-HOPE for a personal consultation.
• Avoid foreclosure prevention companies. Your lender or a HUD-approved housing counselor will help you for free if you contact them.
• Beware of foreclosure scams. Predatory lenders often target people in financial distress. Be suspicious of “bargain loans”, “foreclosure solutions”, promises to “cure” your default, or “repair your credit”. Don’t sign any documents you do not understand: if you sign a deed this means that you are selling your home. Additional tips can be found on Freddie Mac’s “Don’t Borrow Trouble” at www.dontborrowtrouble.com/en/anti_predatory.html