Commonly Used FormsIf you're being threatened with a foreclosure of your home, 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 the Maine Foreclosure Prevention Hotline 1-888-664-2569 or another free housing counselor or advocate today.
The Basic Tools
Home Foreclosure: It’s always good to have a lawyer, but when is it really critical to get some legal help? (October 2014) Some tips about when to call us - or get legal help.
Get the latest information about the "National Mortgage Settlements" here. Or contact the Maine Attorney General's office with your questions. Also the "Independent Foreclosure Review" is still ongoing with some servicers. Find the latest information from the Comptroller of the Currency here.
Foreclosure Rescue Scams: Just Say No! (February 2008)
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. Don't bite!
¿Está enfrentando una ejecución hipotecaria? Los estafadores están apuntando contra las personas que están teniendo problemas para pagar sus hipotecas.
Can I Save My Home from Foreclosure? (updated December 2012)
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 loan servicer.
Federal Making Home Affordable Program (updated August 2010)
Will the "Obama Plan" help you? Although not as many people have been helped as Washington had predicted, more banks are now taking part in this foreclosure rescue program. Find out if you qualify.
HAMP Tips: Making Home Affordable Program (October 2010)
Here's more simplified step-by-step information to help you navigate the HAMP system.
Court Mediation: Your Chance to Stop Foreclosure! (updated August 2014)
The Maine Courts are offering a new mediation program. This gives you the chance to sit down with your mortgage company at the beginning of the court foreclosure process, to see if you can find a good alternative to foreclosure.
Home Foreclosures in Maine (updated October 2015)
This explains the steps in the court foreclosure process and what you can do to respond. Includes a sample answer to a court complaint and sample basic discovery request.
Foreclosure Forms Find links to our sample forms here. For information about when and how to use the forms, read our self-help pages (all linked from this page).
Self-help Videos
Home Foreclosure Mediation in Maine Tips from a homeowner.
Watch Pine Tree's three-part instructional series "Understanding Foreclosure:"
Part 1: Essential Tips (Before Foreclosure)
Part 2: The Foreclosure Process
Part 3: Make Your Action Plan
Just Say No to Rescue Scammers Stories of real people who were victims of rescue scams (Federal Trade Commission)
More Tools
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.
Help with Winter Utility and Fuel Bills
Save money to pay your mortgage by getting help from these state and federal programs.
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.
Don't Borrow Trouble!
Watch out! Learn the the signs of predatory lending so that you avoid bad deals in the future.
¡No Tome Problemas Prestados! Hipotecas, Préstamos con Garantía Inmobiliaria y Refinanciación
N’empruntez pas les soucis! Emprunts hypothécaires, Prêts immobiliers et refinancement
Fair Lending
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.
Quick links to free advocates
- 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
- Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection Foreclosure Prevention Hotline
- Advice from the Federal Housing Administation (HUD)
- Center for Responsible Lending
- National Consumer Law Center - Consumer Information
Special thanks to the Office of the Maine Attorney General
and the Maine Bar Foundation for funding this outreach project
Updated December 2012; partially updated June 2015 and October 2015
PTLA # 673