Where to Turn

Are you facing foreclosure? If you've received an intent to foreclose notice
from your bank, you may be feeling a wide array of emotions. These emotions
may include fear, anger, and sadness. Regardless of how you feel about the
situation, now is the time to take action. Depending on how soon you act, as
well as what steps you take, you may be able to avoid foreclosure.

When facing foreclosure, one of the first places you should turn to is that
of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, also known
as HUD. There you will find experts who can help to point you in the right
direction. They will most likely have you speak to HUD approved housing
counselor. A HUD approved housing counselor can give you tips on how to avoid
foreclosure. However, if you have reached the point where foreclosure can't
be stopped, assistance on picking up the pieces and finding a new home will be
provided.

You should also contact an attorney that is experienced in Real estate and
foreclosure cases. A lawyer might be able to help you by stopping your
foreclosure process completely. There are a number of ways this can be
accomplished, your attorney can and should be contacted in the event you find
yourself a victim of a foreclosure scam or if you feel you are being
discriminated against by your mortgage lender.

Although it's best that you seek professional assistance, such as the assistance
of an attorney or a HUD approved housing counselor, you may want to turn to
those around you. As embarrassing as it may be to admit that you may lose your
home, now is the time to receive support and encouragement from close friends
and family members. In fact, they may be able to help you avoid foreclosure.
Can you borrow money from someone you know to get your mortgage not up to date?
If so, just make sure that you pay it back and in a timely manner.

Back to seeking professional foreclosure advice and assistance, real estate
agents can also be approached. However, it is best if they are contacted as
soon as you notice a problem. If you suspect you may fall victim to foreclosure,
contact a real estate agent immediately. Before your home enters into the
official foreclosure stage, it is known as being in pre-foreclosure. You can
still try to sell your home. You can list your home as for sale by owner, but
the knowledge and expertise of a professional real estate agent can help you sell
your home faster.

Out of all of the places that you should turn to seek assistance with avoiding
foreclosure, the bank is the most important. Financial lenders want to avoid
foreclosure. Why? Because they almost always lose money on the sale of
foreclosed properties. For that reason, schedule a meeting, in person, with your
lender. Make sure you meet with someone who is high ranking in the branch, such
as the bank president or the chief loan officer. If you can prove that your
financial hardships are only temporary, do so. This may help to convince your
mortgage lender to give you more time.

The internet can also be used to seek foreclose help and assistance. When using
the internet, it is important to proceed with caution. You, honestly, never know
if what you find online is true. With that said, many states clearly outline
their foreclosure laws and homeowner options on their websites. You may also find
detailed information online from homeowners who have been in the same place as you,
facing foreclosure. Other homeowners may share the ways that they were able to
successfully stop foreclosure. In addition to carefully reviewing all information
provided to you, do not pay anything. Foreclosure advice can easily be found online
free of charge.