Missed a mortgage payment?
Don't wait until it's too late!
Call the Maryland HOPE hotline for help at 1-877-462-7555.
The service is free and confidential. Nothing is worse than doing nothing. Communicate with a housing counselor and your lender.
Visit the Maryland HOPE website at http://www.mdhope.org/
Buying your first home?
Refinancing your loan?
Before you sign, get connected with a volunteer attorney who will explain the fine print and make sure your settlement costs are fair and reasonable, in addition to other FREE services.
This program is part of the Maryland Mortgage Fraud Prevention Project, and it connects experienced lawyers with buyers/borrowers to make sure their legal rights are protected.
Click here for more information!
Beware of Foreclosure Scams!
Don't become a victim of fraudulent foreclosure "rescuers"! Educate yourself about foreclosure scams.
Avoid anyone who asks you to sign over your deed or pay an upfront fee for foreclosure "rescue" or credit "repair" services. It is illegal in Maryland to ask for large fees upfront before helping a homeowner. ALWAYS contact an attorney or a housing counseling agency for foreclosure assistance.
Check out what Congressman Elijah Cummings has to say about foreclosure scams!
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) -- our government's consumer protection agency -- has information about avoiding foreclosure rescue scams available on its website, or you can watch the FTC video Real People, Real Stories.
NeighborWorks America has launched a national scam prevention campaign with materials available for local partners. For more information about the NeighborWorks campaign go to www.loanscamalert.org.
Worried you've been a victim of mortgage or foreclosure fraud? Report it to the Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation. For more information, visit Avoiding Foreclosure Scams on our website.
Questions about Reverse Mortgages?
Reverse Mortgages -- also called Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) if originated through the Federal Housing Administration -- are complex loans. They are not for everybody! Understand the risks before you commit.
For more information about Reverse Mortgages in easy-to-understand language, read the OCC Consumer Advisory. You may also visit HUD's website on the Top Ten Things to Know if You're Interested in a Reverse Mortgage.
Still have questions? Contact a local housing counseling agency for assistance.