Welcome to the "Foreclosure Prevention" section of our Resource Center. Whether you're in foreclosure now or worried about it in the future, we have information that can help. Tab through these pages to learn more.

HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are available to provide you with the information and assistance you need to avoid foreclosure. As part of President Obama's comprehensive Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (HASP), you may be eligible for a special Making Home Affordable loan modification or refinance, to reduce your monthly payments and help you keep your home.

If you need help understanding the Making Home Affordable programs, you can contact a counseling agency in your area that will provide you with free foreclosure prevention services. If you are eligible for the loan modification or refinance program, the counselor will work with you to compile an intake package for your servicer.

Foreclosure prevention counseling services are provided free of charge by nonprofit housing counseling agencies working in partnership with the Federal Government. These agencies are funded, in part, by HUD and NeighborWorks® America. There is no need to pay a private company for these services.

• Foreclosure Avoidance Counseling
• Are you at risk of foreclosure and losing your home?: Foreclosure doesn't happen overnight. You need to seek assistance at the earliest.
• Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure: Are you having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments? Have you received a notice from your lender asking you to contact them?

With foreclosures on the rise, criminals are taking advantage of struggling homeowners by committing fraud. Many appear to be legitimate consultants or brokers, but their schemes are aimed at stealing your money or property. If you believe that you've been a victim of a criminal foreclosure consultant or other real estate fraud, call the San Diego District Attorney's Real Estate Fraud Complaint Line to request a complaint form. Although the DA's office cannot legally represent individuals in civil matters, help cancel any debt due on a signed contract, resolve or mediate individual contractual complaints, or obtain any other personal relief, they will pursue these criminals and prosecute them as the law allows. If you have already transferred title to your property, you should consult with private counsel to explore the legal solutions available. If you do not have an attorney, you can contact the San Diego County Bar Lawyer Referral Service and they will help you find a qualified attorney for your case.

• Foreclosure Fraud

Several comprehensive resource guides are available to help you navigate the foreclosure process.. 

• Avoiding Foreclosure: When a Lender Won't Work with You: You've done all your homework, talked to a housing counselor and tried to talk to your lender. But, the lender won't work with you. What do you do now?
• Basic Facts About Hope for Homeowners
• Basic Factc About Making Home Afforable Program (HAMP)

If you have been laid off or are facing unemployment, you can keep your home - - if you know the right steps to take. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development/Federal Housing Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Labor and the mortgage industry have worked together to produce important basic information - - and key links to local groups and organizations - - that can help you get through difficult times without losing your home.

• Redemption Period: Redemption is a period after your home has already been sold at a foreclosure sale when you can still reclaim your home. You will need to pay the outstanding mortgage balance and all costs incurred during the foreclosure process.
• California Foreclosure Law Summary
• Foreclosure Process
• Common Questions About Foreclosure
• Help for Homeowners Facing the Loss of Their Home: For most families, a home is not only a significant financial investment but also a source of pride. The loss of a home, due to unexpected events such as unemployment, can be financially and personally devastating.

Foreclosure Events Calendar