Valuable Resources for Homeowners Facing Financial Challenges:

• Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCA) are regional nonprofit 501(c) (3) community-service agencies that help people achieve financial health.
• For information about the Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) approved housing counseling agencies or getting a referral to three housing counseling agencies located closest to you, call 800-569-4287.
• Novadebt is one HUD-approved, Freehold, N.J.-based nonprofit consumer credit counseling organization that partners with HOPE NOW, an alliance between HUD-approved counseling agents, mortgage companies, investors and other mortgage participants. It provides free foreclosure prevention assistance. The Institute of Personal Finance certifies all counselors.
• The HOPE for Homeowners program will also provide assistance for borrowers who are having difficulty making payments but can afford a new loan insured by HUD’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA). If that's your situation, call the HOPE Hotline at 888-995-HOPE or the HOPE for Homeowners program at 800-225-5342.

Before you speak with someone, write down your concerns and questions and know what your intentions are:

• Do you want to keep your house? Is it financially realistic? Is it smarter to give it back to the bank or sell it to lessen your financial costs and anxiety?
• After you make a decision, continue to update your adviser on your situation and how you’re doing.
  
  

More Resources:

There is never a fee to get assistance or information from your mortgage lender or servicer or a HUD-approved housing counselor. Foreclosure prevention counseling services are provided free of charge by nonprofit housing counseling agencies working in partnership with the Federal Government.

Making Home Affordable FAQs Consumer information regarding the Government's housing stimulus initiative.

The California Department of Real Estate Information provided regarding loan modification services.