of foreclosure. Calling a foreclosure avoidance counselor, one who is fully approved by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will help you to figure out your situation. These counselors will explain the laws of foreclosure in your state, will typically work free of charge, will help you organize your financial documents, will help you discuss alternatives for foreclosure, and might represent you when it comes to negotiations with your lender. Once you begin working with one of these counselors, you need to let your lender know — right away. This will help your case when it comes to demonstrating your resolve. This may help you to avoid losing your home, as those who receive help with a counselor can even reduce the payments for their property tax or mortgage, when compared to someone who doesn’t use such help.
A WORD OF CAUTION
Be sure to check whether the foreclosure avoidance counselor is approved by HUD, because unsolicited offers for help are common when it comes to foreclosure rescue scams. Be careful whom you choose to handle your foreclosure strategy, because there are lots of scammers out there looking to profit from your misfortune. This is a very emotional period, and it’s easy to get confused, so get everything in writing and understand the fees and contract involved. Your attorney can be an essential resource in this effort. If foreclosure proceeds, you will get evicted from your home. You’ll consequently lose your home as well as the equity you have accumulated so far. In addition: • You could owe a deficiency balance after the foreclosure sale. This is the balance accrued if the sales proceeds are
25
Powered by FlippingBook