Tips to prevent a foreclosure

• Do not ignore the problem. The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely you lose your house.
• Contact your lender as soon as you realize you have a problem. Lenders do not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times.
• Open and respond to all mail from your lender. The first notices you will receive offer good information about foreclosure prevention options that can help you weather financial problems. Later mail may include important notice of pending legal action. Your failure to open the mail will not be an excuse in foreclosure court.
• Know your mortgage rights. Find your loan documents and read them so you know what your lender may do if you can not make your payments.  Learn about foreclosure laws and timeframes in your state (as every state is different) by contacting the State Government Housing Office.
• 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, recognize your finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need assistance. Find a HUD-approved housing counselor online or by calling 800-569-4287.
• Prioritize your spending. After healthcare, keeping your house should be your first priority. Review your finances and see where you can cut spending in order to make your mortgage payment. Look for optional expenses — cable TV, memberships, entertainment — that you can eliminate.
• Use your assets. Do you have assets — a second car, jewelry, a whole life insurance policy — that you can sell for cash to help reinstate your loan? Can anyone in your household get an extra job to bring in additional income? Even if these efforts do not significantly increase your available cash or your income, they demonstrate to your lender that you are willing to make sacrifices to keep your home.

Credit Counseling

If you have questions regarding your credit, use the links below for counseling services.

• Federally Approved Credit Counseling Agencies
• HUD Housing Counseling Agencies
• Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions 
• Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions en Español
• Homes and Mortgages
• National Foundation for Credit Counseling
• Questions and Answers on Home Foreclosure and Debt Cancellation

Bankruptcy & Debt Management

One of the many issues related to foreclosure includes the possibility of filing for bankruptcy protection before the foreclosure sale takes place. Learn more about debt options.

• A Guide to the Distressed Florida Homeowner Facing Foreclosure

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

This program provides assistance to low-income individuals and families who are experiencing difficulty in paying for utilities such as electricity and gas. This assistance is provided in the form of a credit on an existing utility bill.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

Information for military personnel about the SCRA benefits and protections, including mortgage relief.

Servicing of Homeownership Loans funded through Surtax and SHIP

Miami-Dade County loan servicing staff works with low-income borrowers who received a second mortgage through the Documentary Stamp Surtax and State Housing Initiative Partnership programs that are delinquent and at risk of default to restructure the loan or enter into a temporary deferral. Homeowners can also receive assistance in addressing escrow shortages and unexpected special assessments by providing the needed funds upfront and adding the amount to the outstanding loan balance.