Falling behind on housing costs can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the situation alone. Massachusetts homeowners may have access to housing counseling, mortgage assistance, foreclosure-prevention guidance, and emergency financial support.
The sooner you ask for help, the more time you may have to understand your options and choose a path that protects your household.
Contact Your Mortgage Servicer First
Call the company that receives your mortgage payments as soon as you expect difficulty paying. Ask about available loss-mitigation options, which may include a repayment plan, temporary forbearance, or loan modification.
Request explanations in writing, keep copies of every document, and record the dates of your conversations. Never stop communicating simply because you cannot make the full payment.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s mortgage help center explains how to work with a mortgage servicer and prepare for these discussions. (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)
Speak With a HUD-Approved Housing Counselor
A trained housing counselor can review your finances, explain foreclosure-prevention options, and help you communicate with your mortgage company. HUD-approved foreclosure counseling is generally available at no charge. (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)
Use the HUD housing counselor directory or the CFPB housing counselor search to locate an approved agency. Counselors can help with mortgage defaults, forbearance, foreclosure concerns, budgeting, credit issues, and rental challenges.
Explore Massachusetts Housing Assistance
The Massachusetts Residential Assistance for Families in Transition program may help eligible households with mortgage payments and other housing costs. Review the requirements and application process through the state’s RAFT assistance page. (Massachusetts Government)
Homeowners can also review:
- Massachusetts foreclosure-prevention guidance
- MassHousing foreclosure-prevention resources
- MassHousing home-repair loan programs
- United Way 211 housing resources
These organizations can help you identify available local programs, understand eligibility rules, and avoid unreliable foreclosure-relief services.
Look for Help in Your Community
Housing support is available across Central Massachusetts, including Dudley, Webster, Douglas, Oxford, Sutton, Millbury, Charlton, and Sturbridge.
Homeowners in Worcester, Auburn, Holden, Shrewsbury, Northborough, Westborough, and West Boylston can also contact municipal housing departments, local nonprofit agencies, and regional Housing Consumer Education Centers.
Consider Every Available Option
Assistance may give you enough time to catch up, modify your loan, or create a manageable plan. When keeping the property is no longer realistic, selling may provide another way to avoid continued repair costs, missed payments, and financial uncertainty.
Heavenly Home Solutions, LLC helps Massachusetts homeowners explore a private, as-is home sale without repairs, commissions, or pressure. Call or text 774-272-6604, email [email protected], or Book a free 15-minute consultation.