Frequently Asked Questions

I've missed a few mortgage payments, what will happen?
Your home may undergo the foreclosure process, but there are ways for you to prevent this from happening.
What should I do once I'm behind on my mortgage payments?
Don't wait, get help early! By actively working to resolve the issue as soon as possible, you greatly increase your chances of avoiding the loss of your home through foreclosure. If you even see the possibility of missing a payment, contact your lender and explain your financial situation. This act of initial contact, before letters of delinquency arrive, will help your lender understand that you are facing issues that impede your payments, providing your lender an incentive to find a proper "work out" resolution, or to begin modifications to your loan.
What is a "work out" resolution?
Commonly, the term "work out" resolution is an agreement where you continue making payments on your past due amount over a period of time, or a modification to your loan to lower your interest rate, or an extension loan period that will help lower your payments.
I am in the foreclosure process, should I stay in my home or leave?
You should contact your attorney to determine the best course of action. Abandoning your property may have severe negative consequences on your qualification for assistance.
Do you have any other advice?
Always be wary of potential scams. Any person or company offering a solution that sounds overly optimistic may be trying to take advantage of you during your time of financial troubles. Some warning signals of a scammer include anyone who charges a fee before any services are completed.
Why would my lender rather help me stay in my home than foreclose?
There are several reasons your lender may be interested in other options than foreclosure. Most times, the lender will take substantial financial losses, on average $50,000, from a home foreclosure. Mortgage companies are not interested in owning and selling homes.
How common is foreclosure?
Unfortunately, foreclosures continue to be a significant issue in the U.S., though their frequency can vary across different states and over time. According to recent data, the number of foreclosure filings has decreased compared to the peak years during the 2008 financial crisis. In 2023, approximately 324,000 U.S. properties had foreclosure filings, marking a significant decline from the 3.1 million reported in 2008. Despite this reduction, many homeowners still face financial difficulties therefore, foreclosure remains a reality for many homeowners, with 1 in every 3,800 housing units in the U.S. receiving a foreclosure filing in 2023.