Foreclosure Help

If you are behind on mortgage payments or worried about losing your home, do not wait. Free help may be available.

What is foreclosure?

Foreclosure is the legal process a lender may use to take a home after missed mortgage payments.

In New York, this usually happens through the courts. The process can take time, which means you may still have a chance to get help.

What should I do right away?

If you get letters, court papers, or calls about foreclosure:

• Do not ignore them

• Open and keep all mail

• Write down important dates

• Do not sign anything you do not understand

• Get trusted legal or housing counseling help right away

Warning signs

You may be at risk of foreclosure if you:

• Are behind on mortgage payments

• Got a letter or notice from your lender

• Got court papers

• Are getting calls or letters that pressure you to act fast

Can I still save my home?

You may still have options, even if you are behind on payments or already got legal papers.

Some homeowners may be able to work with a housing counselor or lawyer to:

• Understand what the lender is doing

• Respond to court papers

• Avoid scams

• Explore options to keep their home

Getting help sooner will help you avoid bigger problems.

What happens if I do nothing?

If you do nothing, the case may move forward.

That can make it harder to protect your home later. Getting help early can give you more options.

Watch out for scams

Some scammers target homeowners who are worried about foreclosure.

They may promise to:

• Save your home

• Lower your payments

• Stop the foreclosure fast

They may tell you to sign papers, pay money, or stop talking to your own lawyer or housing counselor.

If anyone makes you feel rushed, secret, or confusing, stop and get advice first.

Get free help

If you are worried about foreclosure, contact HomeownerHelpNY to see if you qualify for free help.