Stopping Foreclosure Process Can Be Done
Despite their public image as blood sucking leeches, lenders really want to avoid home foreclosures. They will be eager to work with your for stopping any foreclosure process on your home. Foreclosing a home means a lot of extra work for them and usually a significant financial loss. But you never know about how they can cooperate with you on stopping the foreclosure process unless you are willing to be honest with them.
Don’t Ignore The Problem
Ignoring your problems will rarely make them go away – and in the case of not being able to pay your mortgage, this will NEVER work. As soon as you feel that there is going to be a problem with you making payments on time, contact your lender and explain your financial situation. Don’t ignore the letters they send you. Contact them and let them know you are willing to pay what you owe, but need more time.
Forbearance
It’s a scary-sounding word, but it is a word you want to hear when stopping the foreclosure process. Forbearance is when your lender allows you to delay payments for a certain length of time. The length of time will be determined by your lender, and you may have to pay a lump sum in order to get caught up. Depending on your circumstance, a lump sum a few months down the road might be easier on you than making regular payments now.
In order for the lender to come up with a forbearance plan for you, you will need to provide them with detailed information. Take gathering the information one step at a time. You can do it. Your lender will need to know:
Your current finances and what you expect to earn
Your bills
A list of your usual home expenses
A detailed explanation as to why you are having financial problems
Counseling
In getting your lender or the government to stop the foreclosure process, you can get some help and a sympathetic ear from a HUD approved counselor. This is especially recommended if you are nervous about calling your lender. They usually can give you options and help you on a course of action to help stop the foreclosure process. Depending on the counseling agency, they work with your for free or for low cost.
HUD approved counselors can be found all over the country, not just in Washington, D.C. You can find them on HUD’s website, or call 1-800-569-4287 to find one.
