Foreclosure Prevention

If you have fallen behind on your mortgage payments or are currently struggling to make them on time, you are not alone. If you are facing foreclosure or need assistance, this page contains some "do's" and "don'ts".

What to Do

  • Do contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem. Regardless of what you might think, lenders do not want your house. They may have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times.
  • Do open and respond to all mail from your lender. The first notices that you will receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options that can help you weather financial problems. This may be followed by important notices of pending legal action. Please note that your failure to open the mail is no excuse to delay foreclosure proceedings.
  • Do some research. Find your loan documents and understand what your lender may do if you cannot make your payments. Learn about lender foreclosure laws and timeframes. Contact a HUD Approved housing counselor.
  • Do avoid foreclosure prevention companies. Before you pay for foreclosure prevention help, contact your lender or a HUD-approved housing counselor that will provide free information and assistance if you contact them.

What Not to Do

  • Don't ignore the problem. The further behind you get, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you are to lose your house.
  • Don't lose your house to foreclosure recovery scams. Be weary of companies that want you to sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf. You may easily be signing your house away. It is a good idea to get professional advice from an attorney, a trusted real estate professional or a HUD-approved housing counselor before signing anything that you are not familiar with.

Housing & Urban Development-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

  1. California Rural Legal Assistance

    629 Main Street
    Delano, CA 93215
    Phone: 661-725-4350
    California Rural Legal Assistance Website

  2. Community Services & Employment Training

    312 NW 3rd Street
    Visalia, CA 93291
    Phone: 559-732-4194
    Community Services and Employment Training Website

  3. Self Help Enterprises

    8445 W Elowin Court
    Visalia, CA 93291
    Phone: 800- 722-4822
    Self Help Enterprises Website