Foreclosure Guidance

What Is Foreclosure?

If you are a homeowner and fail to make your mortgage payments, the lender or servicer of your loan may be within their rights to take possession of the mortgaged property. Generally, borrowers must be notified if the lender or servicer begins foreclosure proceedings.

What If I've Been Financially Impacted By COVID-19?

There are protections to many homeowners who are going through a financial hardship because of COVID-19. Before January 1, 2022, most mortgage servicers cannot start the foreclosure process before discussing all options with you to avoid foreclosure. Whether or not your mortgage loan falls under such protections depends on what type of loan you have, and what rules apply to your servicer.

Is My Loan Currently Protected From Foreclosure?

You need to contact your mortgage servicer directly to find out what type of loan you have and if you qualify for mortgage relief. Their contact information is usually listed on the mortgage statement you receive each month. If their information is not listed, click on the links below to learn how to find your servicer. 

Visit consumerfinance.gov for the most up-to-date information on homeowner protections.

What Can I Do To Avoid Foreclosure?

Find Foreclosure Avoidance Counseling

HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are available to provide you with the information and assistance you need to avoid foreclosure. You may be eligible for a loan modification or refinance to reduce your monthly payments and help you keep your home. To find out more and to determine your eligibility, use the resources below.

  • Click here to contact a counseling agency in your area.
  • The National Housing Resource Center (NHRC) has put together a spreadsheet with contact information for housing counseling providers that operate in multiple states and who are open to providing counseling services in connection with the Homeowner Assistance Fund program.

Apply For Forbearance

If you have been financially impacted by COVID-19, you may qualify for forbearance, which allows you to pay your mortgage at a lower rate temporarily, or to stop paying your mortgage for a specific period of time. Learn more here.