Foreclosure

What Is Foreclosure?

What is foreclosure? Get an overview of basic foreclosure terms, the steps in a foreclosure, and how to stop a foreclosure.

Your Rights in a Foreclosure

Federal law, state law, and your mortgage contract provide you with protections and rights in a foreclosure.

Foreclosure Do's and Don'ts

Get tips on what to do—and what not do—if you’re facing a foreclosure.

Avoiding Foreclosure: Basic Workout Options

Here are some ways to avoid foreclosure.

What Does “Loss Mitigation” Mean?

“Loss mitigation” is what the mortgage-servicing industry calls the process where borrowers and their loan servicer work together to avoid a foreclosure.

How to Stop Foreclosure: Forbearance Agreement, Repayment Plan, and Loan Modification

Forbearance agreements, repayment plans, and loan modifications are different ways mortgage borrowers can avoid a foreclosure.

Right of Redemption Before a Foreclosure Sale

Learn about the right of redemption.

Help for Veterans Struggling With Mortgage Payments

Learn about various ways to avoid a foreclosure if you have a VA loan.

Your Options to Avoid Foreclosure

If you’re behind in your mortgage payments, you might be able to avoid a home foreclosure with one of these options.

Last Minute Strategies to Stop Foreclosure

If you're facing foreclosure, you might be able to stop the process by filing for bankruptcy, applying for a loan modification, or filing a lawsuit.

How Can I Delay a Foreclosure?

Learn how you can slow down—or perhaps permanently stop—a foreclosure.

Defenses to Foreclosure

Learn about common defenses, like servicer mistake, and how you can protect yourself from foreclosure.

Chart: Judicial v. Nonjudicial Foreclosures

Foreclosure works differently in different states.

Challenging Late & Other Fees in Foreclosure

Learn some of the common ways that mortgage servicers charge excessive or incorrect fees in foreclosure—and how to challenge them.

The Statute of Limitations in Foreclosure Actions

If a lender starts a foreclosure against you after the statute of limitations has expired, you can raise this issue as a defense.

Do I Need a Foreclosure Attorney?

If you're facing a foreclosure, find out when hiring a lawyer is a good idea—and when it might not be necessary.

How Much Will a Foreclosure Attorney Charge?

How much a foreclosure lawyer will charge for legal fees depends on the fee structure.

What If I Can't Afford to Hire a Foreclosure Lawyer?

Get guidance on handling part of a foreclosure case yourself, or finding free or low-cost legal help.

Right of Redemption After Foreclosure

When available, the right of redemption allows you to get your home back after a foreclosure.

Deficiency Judgments: Will You Still Owe Money After the Foreclosure?

If you lose your home to foreclosure, you might still owe money to your lender.

What's a Mortgage Servicer?

Mortgage servicing companies handle borrowers' accounts. Find out if you can change your mortgage loan servicer.

When Are Prepayment Penalties Allowed in New Mortgages?

Federal law prohibits some mortgages from having prepayment penalties, which are charges for paying off the loan early.

What Happens to a Mortgage When One Spouse Dies?

Federal law can help you keep a mortgaged home you inherit.

Key Aspects of State Foreclosure Law: 50-State Chart

Check out this 50-state chart to learn about the important features of each state's foreclosure procedures.

Homeowners' Association Super Liens

In some states, homeowners' association liens are given a special status. These liens are called "super liens."

Defenses to an HOA Foreclosure

If you don't pay your HOA fees, the HOA might be able to foreclose on your home. But don’t panic—you could have a defense.