How to Handle a Foreclosure

Your Rights in a Foreclosure

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

How to Find the Foreclosure Laws in Your State

Learn how to look up foreclosure information that might help you save your home.

Foreclosure Do's and Don'ts

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

What Does It Mean to “Default” on a Mortgage Loan?

The terms of the mortgage or deed of trust you signed when getting your home loan usually define what constitutes default.

What Is Summary Judgment in a Foreclosure?

If you respond to a foreclosure lawsuit, but don’t bring up any valid issues, the foreclosing party will likely ask the court for summary judgment.

What’s a Default Judgment in a Foreclosure?

If you don’t respond to a foreclosure lawsuit, the foreclosing party will ask the court for a default judgment.

Strategic Default: Should You Walk Away From Your Home?

With a strategic default, you decide to let your home go through a foreclosure because it's a bad financial decision to keep it. Learn the consequences and alternatives.

Should You File an Answer to a Foreclosure Lawsuit?

If your lender files a foreclosure lawsuit against you, you need to figure out if you want to file a response—officially called an “answer”—to the suit.

Should I Hire a Lawyer to Help With My Short Sale?

If you’re a struggling homeowner facing foreclosure and thinking about selling your home in a short sale, you’ll need to decide whether you should hire an attorney or a real estate agent—or both—to help you with the process.

I lost my job, can I get help with my mortgage?

If you're unemployed, you might be able to get a mortgage forbearance, loan modification, or temporary financial assistance to tide you over.

Should I stop paying my mortgage so I qualify for a loan modification?

You don't have to default on mortgage payments in order to get a loan modification, and it's a bad idea to do so.