Who to contact for help
If you’re facing a financial hardship and having difficulty paying your mortgage, many resources are available to help you.
Rest assured, help is available
Unexpected financial setbacks can be challenging and intimidating, especially when your ability to pay your mortgage is at stake – or you’ve already fallen behind. Before you panic, it’s important to know you have options and many people available to help you, including:
Your mortgage company
If you’re facing a financial setback that impacts your ability to pay your mortgage, your first call should be to your loan servicer (the company listed on your mortgage statement). The sooner you call, the more options will be available. Remember, your mortgage company does not want your home, they want to help you explore all options to avoid foreclosure.
Housing counselors
Every year, housing counselors help millions of people regain their financial footing. They often work for nonprofit organizations and are trained to help you with your financial needs – from budgeting to avoiding foreclosure.
Freddie Mac Disaster Hotline
If your home or place of work has been affected by a disaster, call the Freddie Mac Disaster Hotline to be connected with a HUD-certified housing counselor who specializes in post-disaster recovery. A counselor will help you create a personalized action plan for your recovery that may include guidance on applying for aid — including FEMA and state aid, as applicable — as well as insurance claim filings and support. The plan can also help you manage your mortgage and other debt payments, in addition to avoiding scams. Services are free. Call the hotline at 800-FREDDIE.
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Balance
Freddie Mac contracts with Balance, a national nonprofit organization, to help borrowers avoid foreclosure. Balance provides foreclosure prevention and modification services, as well as additional counseling and budgeting programs. If Freddie Mac owns your mortgage and you are 30-60 days behind on your mortgage payment, you may receive a call to discuss your financial situation and available options for help.
Before you reach out for help, take the time to fully understand your financial situation and have your mortgage information readily available. Being well organized and prepared will help your loan servicer or housing counselor better understand your financial position and assess your eligibility for a workout option.
There should never be a fee from your mortgage company or HUD-certified housing counselor to obtain assistance about options to avoid foreclosure. Be wary of companies or individuals offering to help you for a fee and never send a mortgage payment to any company other than the one listed on your monthly mortgage statement. If you believe you’ve been the victim of a mortgage scam, call 1-888-995‐HOPE (4673) and report it immediately.
Tools and Resources
Brochure: Avoiding Foreclosure
Learn how to identify the early warning signs and pursue alternatives to foreclosure.
Loan Look-Up Tool
Find out if Freddie Mac owns your loan.