If you are facing unemployment or have money problems that are making it difficult to keep up with your mortgage payments, you may be able to keep your home if you know the right steps to take. The following important information and links to local organizations can help you get through difficult times without losing your home.

 General guidelines include:

• Don’t ignore the letters and/or phone calls from your lender
• Contact your lender immediately—866 CU SoCal
• Contact a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency—800.569.4287

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.
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. Information to have ready when you call include:
   1. Your loan account number
   2. A brief explanation of your circumstances
   3. Recent income documents:

                                        i.      Pay stubs

                                       ii.      Benefit statements from Social Security, disability
unemployment, retirement or public assistance

                                      iii.      Tax returns or a year-to-date profit and loss statement, if self-employed

                                      iv.      A list of household expenses

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. Understand foreclosure prevention options. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds free or very low cost housing counseling nationwide. Call toll-free 800.569.4287 or TDD 800.877.8339 weekdays between 6am and 2pm. This number can give you automated referrals to the three housing counseling agencies located nearest you. 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.

    Call your lender today. The sooner you call, the sooner help is available.