Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Avoiding Foreclosure

1. Where Can I Find More Information on Foreclosure Prevention?

Please see the Avoiding Foreclosure page more information, or you can contact us at 1-844-324-7796, Ext 4784.

2. Will I Be Evaluated for the Federal Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) When I Submit My Borrower Response Package?

If you are not eligible for a refinance, reinstatement, repayment, or forbearance plan based on the information you provide, we will evaluate you for participation in the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). If you are not eligible for HAMP, we will evaluate you for a non-HAMP Freddie Mac loan modification.

3. Will It Cost Money to Get Help?

There should never be a fee from your servicer or qualified counselor to obtain assistance or information about foreclosure prevention options. However, foreclosure prevention has become a target for scam artists. Be wary of companies or individuals offering to help you for a fee, and never send a mortgage payment to any company other than the one listed on your monthly mortgage statement or one designated to receive your payments under a state assistance program.

4. What Happens Once I Have Sent the Borrower Response Package to You?

We will contact you within three business days of our receipt of your Borrower Response Package to confirm that we have received your package and will review it to determine whether it is complete. Within five business days of receipt of your request, we will send you a notice of incompleteness in the event there is any missing information or documentation that you must still submit. We cannot guarantee that you will receive any (or a particular type of) assistance.

Within 30 days of receipt of a complete Borrower Response Package, we will let you know which foreclosure alternatives, if any, are available to you and will inform you of your next steps to accept our offer. However, if you submit your complete Borrower Response Package less than 37 days prior to a scheduled foreclosure sale date, we will strive to process your request as quickly as possible, but you may not receive a notice of incompleteness or a decision on your request prior to sale. Please submit your Borrower Response Package as soon as possible.

5. What Happens to My Mortgage While You Are Evaluating My Borrower Response Package?

You remain obligated to make all mortgage payments as they come due, even while we are evaluating the types of assistance that may be available.

6. Will the Foreclosure Process Begin If I Do Not Respond to this Letter?

If you have missed four monthly payments or there is reason to believe the property is vacant or abandoned, we may refer your mortgage to foreclosure regardless of whether you are being considered for a modification or other types of foreclosure alternatives.

7. What Happens if I Have Waited Too Long and My Property Has Been Referred to an Attorney for Foreclosure? Should I Still Contact You?

Yes, the sooner the better!

8. What if My Property is Scheduled for a Foreclosure Sale in the Future?

If you submit a complete Borrower Response Package less than 37 calendar days before a scheduled foreclosure sale, there is no guarantee we can evaluate you for a foreclosure alternative in time to stop the foreclosure sale. Even if we are able to approve you for a foreclosure alternative prior to a sale, a court with jurisdiction over the foreclosure proceeding (if any) or public official charged with carrying out the sale may not halt the scheduled sale.

9. Will My Property be Sold at a Foreclosure Sale If I Accept a Foreclosure Alternative?

No. The property will not be sold at a foreclosure sale once you accept a foreclosure alternative, such as a forbearance or repayment plan, and comply with all requirements.

10. Will My Credit Score Be Affected by My Late Payments or Being in Default?

The delinquency status of your loan will be reported to credit reporting agencies as well as your entry into a Repayment Plan, Forbearance Plan, or Trial Period Plan in accordance with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Consumer Data Industry Association requirements.

11. Will My Credit Score Be Affected if I Accept a Foreclosure Prevention Option?

While the affect on your credit will depend on your individual credit history, credit scoring companies generally would consider entering into a plan with reduced payments as increasing your credit risk. As a result, entering into a plan with reduced payments may adversely affect your credit score, particularly if you are current on your mortgage or otherwise have a good credit score.

12. Is Foreclosure Prevention Counseling Available?

Yes, HUD-approved counselors are available to provide you with the information and assistance you may need to avoid foreclosure. You can use the search tool at http://www.hud.gov/ to find a counselor near you.

13. I Have Seen Ads and Flyers From Companies Offering to Help Me Avoid Foreclosure for a Fee. Are These Companies on the Level?

Foreclosure prevention has become a target for scam artists. We suggest using the HUD Web site referenced in question 12 to locate a counselor near you. Also, please refer to the section called Beware of Foreclosure Rescue Scams for more information.