Your First Steps
Are you having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments? Have you received a notice from your lender asking you to contact them?
In today’s market, 1 in 7 homeowners is having trouble paying the mortgage. More than 70% of these homeowners proceed without seeking assistance or getting the facts. Many do not even realize that foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in a better outcome.
You are not alone. Millions of other homeowners nationwide are in the same circumstances. To assist you, I’ve prepared a free report (click here to download the report) outlining the first steps a homeowner should take when facing a foreclosure.
Don’t hesitate. Get back on track today!
Don't ignore the letters from your lender Contact your lender immediately
If you are unable to make your mortgage payment:
1. Don't ignore the problem.
The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house.
2. Contact your local Short Sale Specialist.
A Distressed property and short sale specialists are expert in homeowners’ options and all the stages of foreclosure.
3. Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem.
Your lenders does not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times.
4. Open and respond to all mail from your lender.
The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options that can help you weather financial problems. Later mail may include important notices of pending legal action. Your failure to open the mail will not be an excuse in foreclosure court.
4. Know your mortgage rights.
Find your loan documents and read them so you know what your lender may do if you can't make your payments. Learn about the foreclosure laws and timeframes in your state (as every state is different) by contacting the State Government Housing Office.
5. Understand foreclosure prevention options.
Valuable information about foreclosure prevention (also called loss mitigation) options can be found online through your current mortgage company.
6. Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds free or very low-cost housing counseling nationwide. Housing counselors can help you understand the law and your options, organize your finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender, if you need this assistance. Find a HUD-approved housing counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287 or TTY (800) 877-8339.
7. Avoid foreclosure prevention companies.
You don't need to pay fees for foreclosure prevention help--use that money to pay the mortgage instead. Many for-profit companies will contact you promising to negotiate with your lender. While these may be legitimate businesses, they will charge you a hefty fee (often two or three month's mortgage payment) for information and services your lender or a licensed Short Sale Specialist will provide free if you contact them.
10. Don't lose your house to foreclosure recovery scams!
If any firm claims they can stop your foreclosure immediately and if you sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf, you may well be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home! Never sign a legal document without reading and understanding all the terms and getting professional advice from an attorney, a trusted real estate professional or a HUD-approved housing counselor.
