Foreclosure Prevention Toolkit

Home foreclosures are still on the rise all over the country, especially in Maine. You are not alone. Here are some tools to help: if you are having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments, if you are already receiving threatening notices from your loan servicer, or even if you are already facing foreclosure Don't wait! Look for help now! Contact a legal advocate or qualified housing counselor today. Also, we hope that this information will help you to better understand the complex legal challenges that you're facing.

Foreclosure News Jun 12, 2009 ~  Maine foreclosures rise slightly in first quarter  Bangor Daily News Jun 11, 2009 ~  Bill to help avoid foreclosure approved  Portland Press Herald Jun 10, 2009 ~  Subprime Lender settles with Mass. for $10m  Boston Globe Jun 09, 2009 ~  Homeowners Find Mortgage Program Not So Easy  All Things Considered Jun 01, 2009 ~  Getting by: Losing home can be lesson in confusion  Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Courier News Archive

The Tools

Federal Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan What does the "Obama Plan" mean for you, as a struggling Maine home owner? As we learn the details, we will post them here.

Foreclosure Rescue Scams: Just Say No!
You are the most vulnerable to predators when you are behind in your payments or are facing foreclosure. They know that you are feeling desperate. Read more...

Can I Save My Home from Foreclosure?
Here are some basic tools to help you strategize: Do I want to propose a "workout" plan? What kind of plan? Where can I get help? What can I do to help my legal advocate help me? Includes sample letters to your broker and loan servicer.

Home Foreclosures in Maine
This explains the steps in the foreclosure process and what you can do to respond. Includes a sample answer to a court complaint and sample basic discovery request.

Don't Leave Money on the Table
Use this checklist to find out if you are getting all of the tax credits and other benefits you could be getting. This could help your overall financial picture.

Don't Borrow Trouble!
Watch out! Learn the the signs of predatory lending so that you avoid bad deals in the future.

HOPE for Homeowners (H4H) Act of 2008: Will It Help You?
You may have heard or read about this foreclosure "rescue package." Find out more about how it works and who it helps.

Help with Winter Utility and Fuel Bills
Save money to pay your mortgage by getting help from these state and federal programs.

Fair Lending (March 2009)
This explains common problems of discrimination in mortgage lending, how to file a complaint if you are being discriminated against, and general information about predatory and subprime lending.

Bankruptcy: Is It the Right Choice for You?
If you have a steady stream of income, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy might be a good legal tool to help you save your home.

Payment Plan Guide .pdf file
Overwhelmed with bills? Here's a guide for deciding which bills to pay first, especially if you are considering bankruptcy.

Quick links

• Maine Network of Qualified Foreclosure Counseling Agencies
• Contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance
• Legal Service for the Elderly HelpLine
• Contact Maine Volunteer Lawyer's Project

More information

• Center for Responsible Lending
• National Consumer Law Center - Consumer Information
• Advice from the Federal Housing Administation (HUD)
• 2005 Report: Subprime Mortgages in Maine .pdf file

MASH Resources (for lawyers)

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Special thanks to the Office of the Maine Attorney General
and the Maine Bar Foundation for funding this outreach project

Updated May 2009

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