Foreclosure FAQs

Being proactive is the best approach if the possibility of foreclosure becomes real. If a life change such as a job loss or an illness causes you to get behind on mortgage payments, contact your lender immediately. In many cases, lenders are willing to work with homeowners who experience a temporary change in income status.

Do not ignore letters or phone calls from your lender. If you are having difficulty making your mortgage payments, call or write your lender to determine what options are available. Remember, local and state laws determine how much time you have to respond. Don’t wait to take action.

Call your lender immediately to discuss alternatives to foreclosure. If you can afford one, consider contacting an attorney. If you are unable to hire an attorney, some organizations, like Legal Aid, offer assistance to those who qualify. Visit our Foreclosure Resources to learn more.

There is no set period of time to complete a foreclosure. However, there are specific periods of time in which you are required to respond to notices from your lender. In most cases, you have 20 days to respond once you have been served with a foreclosure complaint. If possible, consult with an attorney regarding your legal options.

Generally, you should expect to vacate the property shortly after the foreclosure sale has been confirmed. If this is the case, a HUD-approved housing counselor agency can refer you to community services in your area that may be able to help. Visit our HUD-Approved Housing Counselor section for more information.

The first step should be to contact your mortgage lender. Once you’ve done that, several governmental and non-profit resources offer home counseling, load modification assistance, money management tools, and more. Visit our Foreclosure Resources for a list of agencies and organizations that may be able to help.

The foreclosure process can often be complex, involving financial and legal requirements that many homeowners are not experienced in handling. Seeking legal advice in these matters is always a good idea. Once you have contacted your lender, you may feel you need legal representation before making any decisions. If you are unable to afford an attorney, there are organizations that offer programs for those who qualify. Visit our Foreclosure Resources for more information on pro-bono legal advice.

Be cautious of any firm that claims it can stop a foreclosure action. The reality is, once a foreclosure action has been initiated, only a legal agreement between you and your lender can halt the process. Many of the foreclosure “experts” who claim to be able to stop a foreclosure charge substantial fees upfront and provide little in the way of foreclosure relief.

For more information on foreclosure scams, visit our Scam Alerts page or the Consumer Protection section of the Florida Attorney General's office website.

Your mortgage provider and a HUD-approved housing counselor will be able to determine if you qualify for any of the alternatives. Visit our Foreclosure Resources for more information on HUD and a HUD-approved housing counselor.