So you have made an appointment to meet your housing counselor. But now you want to be prepared for the meeting. What should you bring?
The advice of a housing expert from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency can be invaluable to homeowners struggling to make payments. Homeowners can call 888-995-HOPE for free expert help. Housing counselors know that the process to prevent a foreclosure can be complicated. Your housing counselor can help you make sense of the many financial terms that will be discussed. If the counseling is to help you avoid foreclosure or homelessness, the service is free . Ask for details when you make your appointment. See HUD.gov for locations in your area.
A housing counselor can provide a range of services including concerns about defaulting on a mortgage, information on foreclosure and foreclosure counseling and credit issues. Their job will include identifying mortgage assistance options that are suitable for your individual situation. This counselor can also help you with local resources as well as help in the creation of a budget that identifies all of your expenses, including a place to live.
A housing counselor will help in explaining required documents and, in many cases, submitting those documents to your mortgage company on your behalf.
But what should you bring to the appointment? (http://www.savethedream.ohio.gov/counselor.aspx) You will need to bring the following:
- Your driver’s license
- Your last three years’ federal tax returns
- 60 days’ worth of pay stubs and proof of other income (self-employment, child support, etc.)
- Bank statements for the last three months
- Documentation of your monthly expenses
- Documentation of any paid judgments or collections
- Proof of occupancy of your home like utility bills
- Mortgage statements
Bring these along if you need foreclosure prevention counseling:
- Documentation of all communications from your mortgage servicer
- Copy of a recent mortgage statement
- Explanation of your inability to make mortgage payments and may include a hardship letter
Bring your list of questions to this meeting as well. You may want to know more about your ability to remain in your home or how long it might take before the counselor hears from your lender. You may wish to know more about the counselor and the families they have helped with their service. Be prepared to take notes. Ask who and how to follow up after the visit if you find you have more questions. Your counselor will understand that you are trying to take care of your family.
