Stop Foreclosure: Finding Help Online

Homeowners looking for resources to stop foreclosure online should be very wary about any information they locate. A large body of information on stopping foreclosure, both general and state specific is readily available online, but is typically associated with some form of for-profit venture. While general ideas and other cited facts are typically readily available and accurate on most foreclosure prevention websites online, the foreclosure prevention industry is rife with scams, frauds, and other predatory tactics in place to take advantage of struggling homeowners. Homeowners really need to beware and become savvy about judging the credibility of online resources. Any person using online resources to help stop foreclosure on their home will benefit from reviewing the following information on locating credible sources of foreclosure prevention information online, and ideally, how these resources can put them in touch with credible professionals that can actively assist them.

Use Government Websites, such as HUD.gov

The federal government, through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides a copious amount of information on the foreclosure process, foreclosure prevention tactics, and applicable federal laws that may assist homeowners. Furthermore, the website offers state-specific resources to homeowners in a given state, which may have varied laws and statutes applicable to stopping foreclosure.

Ultimately, a homeowner is not going to be able to stop a foreclosure through online research or other actions on the internet. The federal government actively urges homeowners to consult with federal counselors provided free by the HUD at one of their local offices across the nation. The contact information, addresses, and general information on the foreclosure crisis counseling process is included on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website, with additional information available online through the Federal Housing Administration, as well.

It is important for a homeowner to note that each state, in light of the increasing numbers of default and foreclosure, has implanted state specific foreclosure prevention programs, which often have dedicated websites.

Other Credible Sources of Online Foreclosure Help

Aside from government websites, which should be the first place to look, homeowners can also consult credible legal marketing websites and other consumer legal resources online for both information about foreclosure, as well as resources putting them in touch with a lawyer or attorney in their area.

Homeowners should note an important distinction here. Websites offering programs or other foreclosure prevention methods at a cost are not reputable, and the Federal Trade Commission website has several dedicated articles online citing common foreclosure fraud methods. In almost all instances, only an attorney-referral service that charges nothing is a credible place to locate third party foreclosure legal counsel that can solve foreclosure issues.

Getting Legal Help to Stop Foreclosure

Ultimately, any foreclosure prevention action will require more than online resources about the topic. In most cases, any foreclosure prevention action that is going to produce favorable results for the homeowner will include talks with their lender, consulting a lawyer, and consulting with federal foreclosure crisis counselors directly. While online is a good place for a homeowner to start and garner a few talking points, the real assistance is found in persons and entities working offline and exclusively on your mortgage or other home loan in default.