Foreclosure happens when a lender repossesses and sells your home because of missed mortgage payments. If you’re at risk, act early: contact your lender, keep paying bills, and seek help from HUD-approved housing counselors or state programs like the Homeowner Assistance Fund. Beware of scams asking for upfront fees. Free legal aid and FHA support are available to help you avoid foreclosure.
Foreclosure happens when a lender seizes and sells a property because the homeowner does not pay the mortgage. Learn what to do if your home is at risk of foreclosure.
Important
Ads and websites may offer to help you save your house from foreclosure but ask for money upfront. These may be scams. Avoid and report mortgage relief scams.
What happens when you do not pay your mortgage
When you buy a home or other type of property and do not pay the mortgage, the lender can start the foreclosure process. This is when a lender repossesses a property and sells it.
As soon as you know that you are going to have trouble paying your mortgage:
Contact your lender immediately and let them know you are having financial difficulties. This gives your lender time to work with you to create a financial plan.
Do not stop paying your bills.
Seek help early. Do not wait until you cannot make payments before you act.
Some states offer aid through the Homeowner Assistance Fund. It helps families having trouble paying their mortgage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Use the map to find your state’s Homeowner Assistance Fund program.
If you have a Federal Housing Administration loan, contact the FHA National Servicing Center at 1-877-622-8525. Learn how to work with your lender to avoid foreclosure.
Find a lawyer for low-cost legal help with your foreclosure case.
This article is provided by USA.gov. For more information, visit usa.gov/housing.
