As a full cycle Home Ownership Center, NHS of Greater Berks, Inc. also offers Delinquency/Foreclosure Prevention & Mitigation Counseling. This service assists Berks County Residents to preserve their homes and protect their credit.

Qualified applications are those who are about to encounter difficulty or have fallen behind with making timely mortgage payments. Trained counselors provide one on one counseling sessions to discuss options and strategies with the delinquent or impending defaulted borrower.  This is possible by the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling (NFMC) Funding thru (PHFA).

When a homeowner has actually received the official foreclosure notice from his lender, NHS of Greater Berks, Inc. is authorized to assist the client apply for a ‘rescue’ loan through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s Home Owners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program, (HEMAP).

At time of appointment specific information regarding applicant’s situation will be reviewed to determine financial status and options available. Such information may include but not limited to:

Budget
Refinance programs available through FHA and/or PHFA
Loan Workout Options
Foreclosure Timelines
Referrals to other applicable Service Agencies

This program is made possible by the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Grant through Congressional funds and is administered by NeighborWorks America.

Click here to fill out a request for service for Foreclosure Mitigation or HEMAP application.

Click on the links section to see additional information web sites on the Delinquency/Foreclosure Prevention and Mitigation topics.

* * * PLEASE NOTE, although a counselor may answer questions and provide information, they do not give legal advice. If however, you need legal advice, you will be referred for appropriate assistance. ** *

Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure

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

• Don't ignore the letters from your lender
• Contact your lender immediately
• Contact a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency

Toll FREE (800) 569-4287
TTY (800) 877-8339

If you are unable to make your mortgage payment:

1. Don't ignore the problem.

The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house.

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.

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 foreclosure laws and timeframes in your state (as every state is different) by contacting the State Government Housing Office.

5. Understand foreclosure prevention options.

Valuable information about foreclosure prevention (also called loss mitigation) options can be found on the internet at portal.hud.gov/portal/page_pageid=33,717348&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

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.