Are you having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments or have you received a notice from your lender asking you to contact them?

• Contact your lender immediately

• Contact a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency

• Call toll FREE (800) 569-4287 or TTY (800) 877-8339 for the hearing impaired.

If you are unable to make your mortgage payment:

1. Don't ignore the problem.

2. Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem.
Lenders do not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times, and there are a variety of programs available that may be able to provide assistance. For example, the Ohio Department of Development offers the Ohio Home Rescue Fund.

3. Open and respond to all mail from your lender.
The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options that can help you weather financial problems. Later mail may include important notice of pending legal action. Your failure to open the mail will not be an excuse in foreclosure court.

4. Know your mortgage rights.
Find your loan documents and read them so you know what your lender may do if you can't make your payments. Learn about the Ohio foreclosure laws.

5. Understand what foreclosure prevention options are available.
Valuable information about foreclosure prevention (also called loss mitigation) options can be found on the Federal Housing Administration website.

6. Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds free or very low cost housing counseling nationwide. Housing counselors can help you understand the law and your options, organize your finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need this assistance. Find a HUD-approved housing counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287 or TTY (800) 877-8339.

7. Prioritize your spending.
After healthcare, keeping your house should be your first priority. Review your finances and see where you can cut spending in order to make your mortgage payment. Look for optional expenses-cable TV, memberships, entertainment-that you can eliminate. Delay payments on credit cards and other "unsecured" debt until you have paid your mortgage.

8. Use your assets.
Do you have assets-a second car, jewelry, a whole life insurance policy-that you can sell for cash to help reinstate your loan? Can anyone in your household get an extra job to bring in additional income? Even if these efforts don't significantly increase your available cash or your income, they demonstrate to your lender that you are willing to make sacrifices to keep your home.

9. Avoid foreclosure prevention companies.
You don't need to pay fees for foreclosure prevention help-use that money to pay the mortgage instead. Many for-profit companies will contact you promising to negotiate with your lender. While these may be legitimate businesses, they will charge you a hefty fee (often two or three month's mortgage payment) for information and services your lender or a HUD approved housing counselor will provide free if you contact them.

10. Don't lose your house to foreclosure recovery scams!
If any firm claims they can stop your foreclosure immediately if you sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf, you may well be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home! Never sign a legal document without reading and understanding all the terms and getting professional advice from an attorney, a trusted real estate professional, or a HUD approved housing counselor.

If you have received documents from the court about a foreclosure, contact your local legal aid program.

The Save the Dream program is Ohio's response to the growing problem of foreclosure filings around the state.

There are numerous local, state, and federal resources available that may be available to assist you.

If you are a low-income Ohioan, you may be eligible for legal assistance. Contact your local legal aid provider to find out more about eligibility.

Working with your mortgage servicer is vital. Many servicers are willing to work with you if you notify them as soon as you anticipate financial trouble. Find out more about contacting your mortgage servicer now.

Scam artists use many tactics to take advantage of a homeowner’s trust. Learn what you can do to avoid foreclosure rescue scams.

Learn more about foreclosure prevention and resources through the Save the Dream program or call 1 (888) 404 - 4674.