It is not too late to find help
If you have received a foreclosure notice in the mail, it’s not too late to talk to a housing counselor and learn what options you still have. Help is available to all Oregonians from certified housing counselors who can give you sound advice and guidance. The assistance is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.
Housing counselors are knowledgeable, dedicated, and experienced professionals. They specialize in helping families in various stages of their housing experience, including when times are tough. The sooner you call, the more options you have. Reach out today.
You don't have to go it alone
The following are some of the programs and resources available to eligible Oregon homeowners. A certified housing counselor can help you navigate all of the options available to you.
Homeowner Assistance Fund
If you experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic, you may be eligible for help through the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund. The Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund helps those who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments and other housing expenses.
If you are in foreclosure and meet the eligibility requirements, you must work with a HAF intake partner to evaluate your workout options and the possibility of submitting a HAF application.
Foreclosure Avoidance Program
Help is available for homeowners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments. The Oregon Foreclosure Avoidance Program helps homeowners avoid foreclosure. Before beginning a foreclosure, most lenders must request a resolution conference with the homeowner.
It is important to respond to the request for a resolution conference from your lender. Participation in the program will help you explore all options to avoid foreclosure. If you agree to participate, your lender will not be able to initiate any foreclosure proceeding until it has met the requirements of the program and attended a resolution conference with you.
If you have not received a request for a resolution conference from your lender, but think it would be helpful, you may be able to request one with your lender.
Oregon Homeowner Legal Assistance (OHLA) Project
The Oregon Homeowner Legal Assistance (OHLA) project provides free or reduced-cost legal services to low- and moderate-income Oregonians whose homeownership is at risk due to economic factors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Homeowners can apply for legal assistance by calling the toll-free OHLA intake line, 1-855-503-2598.
Other Possible Avenues for Staying In Your Home
If you get behind on your mortgage payments, you may be able to keep your home by negotiating a solution with your mortgage servicer. A certified housing counselor can help you navigate your options with free and confidential support.
If your situation is temporary
If your financial situation will be resolved in the short term, work with the servicer or a housing counselor to set up a plan for mortgage reinstatement, forbearance, or a repayment plan. Explain your willingness to commit to a payment plan until you are in a better position to resume your regular payments.
- Mortgage reinstatement – if you have enough cash (examples would include a work bonus, tax refund, or settlement payout), you can reinstate your mortgage by making up all the missed payments, plus fees and interest, in one lump sum
- Forbearance – a forbearance is a temporary period of time during which a regular monthly mortgage payment is reduced or suspended
- Repayment – you promise to pay down past due amounts on a mortgage while continuing to make regular monthly payments on a property (this is often tied to a forbearance plan)
If your situation is long term or permanent
Sometimes situations happen beyond our control, such as a medical emergency, job loss, or divorce. In these cases your servicer may allow a loss-mitigation plan such as a mortgage loan modification or reverse mortgage.
Protect yourself from mortgage scams
If you are struggling with your mortgage, you may receive information by mail or telephone with promises of a quick-fix or easy solution to your mortgage problem. Scammers will even create letters or advertisements that look like they came from your mortgage company. If you receive a call, text, email, or offer in the mail, call your mortgage company using the phone number on your mortgage statement, and ask if the communication came from the mortgage company.