Foreclosure Help

In these troubled times, homeowners who are having difficulty making their mortgage payments are looking for help. There are many foreclosure assistance programs out there.  While some of these so-called assistance programs are of questionable value and others are simply straight-out scams, there are a number of programs that are either government or HUD approved and that offer real help to homeowners facing foreclosure. The following programs are either run by the U.S. government or have its seal of approval and they're either free or available for a very modest fee:

1. To find out all about the foreclosure process, to find a foreclosure avoidance counselor, or to find state and local foreclosure resources contact: Department of Housing and Urban Development   www.hud.gov/foreclosure/ 

    
2. To speak to a HUD-approved counselor about your foreclosure problems call (888) 995-4673 or go to www.hopenow.com 

    
3. For foreclosure resources and to find a foreclosure couselor, contact Neighborworks America at www.nw.org/network/home.asp

    
4. For information on federal mortgage modification and on refinancing programs, contact Making Home Affordable at www.makinghomeaffordable.gov.

    
5. For bank-related questions, contact the Controller of the Currency’s office at www.occ.gov/customer.htm.
   
6. For tips on avoiding foreclosure scams contact the Federal Reserve at www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/foreclosurescamtips/default.htm