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 www.fha.gov/foreclosure/index.cfm.
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.
Content updated June 2, 2008
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development451 7th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20410Telephone: (202) 708-1112 Find the address of a HUD office near you
Southeast Regional Library Located on a 127-acre site, the Southeast Regional Library not only offers books, videos, CDs and access to the web, visitors also have spectacular views of the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
The 110-acre Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is located at 2757 E. Guadalupe Road east of Greenfield Road, next to the Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert, Arizona. At the Riparian Preserve over 200 species of birds can be seen throughout the year. There are 4.5 miles of walking trails, and fishing at the recreation lake at Water Ranch. This unique area was designed to utilize recycled water to create community wetland wildlife sanctuaries for recreation, education, and research. The Riparian Institute also offers programs and classes to the public, like birds walks, kids camps and programs, and public viewings at the new observatory. Download Map
Heritage District An officially recognized and established historic area, the Heritage District marks the original Gilbert town site and is still the historic center of the community. The Heritage District includes one-of-a-kind restaurants, shops and offices.
The Hale Centre Theatre has a legendary heritage as the longest continuously running, privately owned and operated theater company in America. You can find it now in the Heritage District in downtown Gilbert, presenting a variety of theatrical performances.
Gilbert Town Square, an urban village created by Triple Five Arizona Development, features a 14-screen megaplex theater, retail shops and restaurants.
Gilbert Days November marks Gilbert Days, a unique, three-day celebration that marks the paving of Gilbert Road through downtown. Gilbert Days provides fun-filled activities for the entire family including the Gilbert Days 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run, a parade through downtown, and IPRA Rodeo action and carnival that takes places at Gilbert Rodeo Park.
Gilbert Historical Society Museum The town’s history has been captured in the Gilbert Historical Society Museum. Located in a building that was once the original Town School at 10 S. Gilbert Road.
Freestone Skate Park From the novice in-line skater to the extreme skateboarder, Gilbert’s 22,000 sq. ft. skate park offers features that accommodate all skill levels. The skate park located in Freestone Park offers free, non-supervised skating to visitors.
Freestone Park Gilbert’s flagship park truly is a wonderful place to visit and play. Freestone Park features ball fields, sport courts, a train, batting cage concession, playgrounds and picnic ramadas for visitors to enjoy. Located at the park you will also find and amphitheatre, Gilbert’s Skate Park and the Freestone Recreation Center.
Crossroads Dog Park This dog park is on the west side of Greenfield Road, south of Warner Road. The dog park hours are 6 a.m.- 10 p.m., seven days per week. 2155 E. Knox Road.
Cosmo Park is located at the northeast corner of Ray Road and the Santan Loop 202 in Gilbert. Hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The park features a lighted fenced dog park.
SPORTS & RECREATION Outdoor recreation abounds in the area.
Among the offerings are:
The Arizona Cardinals (NFL Football)
Phoenix Suns (NBA Basketball)
Arizona Diamondbacks (Major League Baseball)
Phoenix Coyotes (NHL Hockey)
Arizona Rattlers (Arena Football)
Arizona San Sharks (Indoor Soccer)
Cactus League (professional baseball spring training)
Professional FBR golf tournaments during the season
Phoenix Greyhound Park Racing
Phoenix International Raceway
Golf Courses - 25 within 15 minutes
The Fiesta Bowl
