Help With Foreclosure                    – Seeking Professional Help

 If you are facing foreclosure, the fact that many other homeowners are in the same situation, is not comforting. But you may be somewhat comforted at the possibility of getting professional help with foreclosure.

Before making any binding decisions, look carefully at your situation. Just how far behind are you in your mortgage payments? Would it be possible to come up with some money to make an immediate payment? Can you borrow the money and set-up a repayment plan in small increments? Perhaps there are family members or close friends who can help?

It probably almost goes without saying that making current mortgage payments on time is one of the best ways to stop the foreclosure process. If you've fallen behind though, this may not be a viable option for you. But don't give up hope. Accepting the inevitability of foreclosure should only be your last resort.

The first thing you should do is to set up a meeting with your mortgage lenders. Don't do this over the phone. Although a face-to-face meeting may be embarrassing, it is really the best way to show that you are serious about avoiding foreclosure. During your meeting, find out what the financial institution would be willing to accept in order for you to keep your home. Ask if alternative payment arrangements would be possible.

If this doesn't work, your next step should be to contact your local HUD office. The purpose of the "United States Department of Housing and Urban Development" is to increase home ownership. One of their mandates is to try to keep housing costs affordable. If you are facing foreclosure or trying to avoid the foreclosure process, HUD will point you in the right direction.

Because each state has slightly different regulations, this may impact the type of professional help you may be eligible for. However, each state does have knowledgeable housing counselors. These counselors are trained in the rules, restrictions, and laws concerning foreclosure in their state. You can receive foreclosure counseling from these advisors either free of charge or for an affordable fee. Be sure though that the counselor you work with is HUD approved. There are too many foreclosure scams in operation today, so it's important to exercise caution.

If you're a veteran, even one currently still serving, you may be eligible for special assistance. The VA Loan Guarantee Program operates to help those eligible to buy homes. On occasion though, they do provide assistance to veterans dealing with foreclosure.

There are times when it is recommended that an attorney be consulted. This may be the case when you've made payments to return your mortgage to good standing, but are still facing foreclosure. Or, if you are a renter who is being threatened with eviction, it is important that you get legal advice. HUD can provide a list of affordable or pro-bono attorneys specializing in housing and foreclosure, in your area.

A final option may be to file a complaint with the state Department of Consumer Affairs, if you feel that you are the victim of a scam or are being treated unjustly by your mortgage holder.

So, as you can see, if you need help with foreclosure difficulties, there are many places you can visit to get professional help and advice.