If you’re a homeowner in Maryland, being faced with a foreclosure is a very upsetting proposition. Having the right information is crucial in this case, both to avoid losing your home as well as to steer clear of any potential foreclosure scams, which could deprive you of even more money. In this case, USA.gov offers the following guidelines.
Look for government assistance
There are a number of government programs available that can offer guidance when it comes to avoiding foreclosure. For instance, there is the Making Home Affordable program, which provides homeowner access to qualified counselors. These counselors can provide many different types of assistance, including insight on how you can retain homeownership. People with Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans can also seek advice from the FHA directly.
Contact your lender
Some lenders may be willing to work with you on repaying your loan. You may be able to create a repayment plan to get you through tough times or reduce the amount of money you owe on the principle. However, you must contact your lender as soon as possible, preferably before any late or missed payments.
Be aware of common scams
When looking for ways to prevent foreclosure, be wary of any scams and frauds you may encounter. These usually entail assistance for a fee, when there are numerous programs that are absolutely free of charge for homeowners. If you are contacted without reaching out, proceed with caution. Scam artists often look through foreclosure notices to target victims. Never send any payments to anyone but your lender. Also, don’t provide personal information to any organization without verifying them first.