FORECLOSURE: THINGS TO REMEMBER

Because lenders do not want to foreclose, they will usually work with you

to get you back on track with your mortgage payments. Remember these

important points about the foreclosure process.

> Don't lose your home and damage your credit history.

> Call or write your mortgage lender immediately and be honest about

your financial situation.

> Stay in your home to make sure you qualify for assistance.

> Make an appointment with a housing or lender counselor.

> Cooperate fully with the counselor or lender trying to help you.

> Explore every alternative to keep your home.

> Beware of scams.

> Do not sign anything you don't understand. Signing over the deed to

someone else does not necessarily relieve you of your loan obligation.

> Make sure you get all "promises" in writing.

> Beware of any contract of sale of loan assumption where you are not

formally released from liability for your mortgage debt.

> Check with a lawyer or your mortgage company before entering into

any transaction involving your home.

> If you're selling the house yourself to avoid foreclosure, check to see if

there are any complaints against the prospective buyer. You can contact

your state's Attorney General, the State Real Estate Commission, or the

local District Attorney's Consumer Fraud Unit for this type of information.

> Repair your credit. A nonprofit credit counseling agency might be able

to help you work with your creditors to reduce your monthly payments by

lowering interest rates or extending repayment periods. Avoid any

company that promise you quick, easy results for your credit

p r o b l e m s. T h e N at i o n a l  Foundation for Credit Counseling

is a good resource. The are available online at www.nfcc.org.

Act now. Delaying can't help. If you do nothing, you will LOSE

YOUR HOME and LOSE YOUR GOOD CREDIT RATING.