How to find a free HUD-approved housing counselor
If you are behind on your mortgage, a HUD-approved housing counselor can help you understand your choices. The help is free.
Updated · By Allen Markel, REALTOR®
Call HUD: 800-569-4287In short
A HUD-approved housing counselor gives free help to a homeowner who is behind on a mortgage. To find one, call HUD at 800-569-4287 or search by ZIP code on HUD's site. Never pay anyone up front to stop a foreclosure. Allen Markel is a real estate agent, not a HUD counselor.
Five steps
- Call HUD's referral line: 800-569-4287. Say you want a housing counselor for help with foreclosure.
- Or search online. Use HUD's official counselor search or the CFPB housing counselor finder. Put in your ZIP code.
- Pick an agency near you. Ask if it is HUD-approved and how soon someone can talk with you.
- Gather your papers. The letters from your mortgage servicer, your pay stubs and a list of your monthly bills.
- Write down what the counselor says. Ask what the next step is and who to call.
Where Allen Markel fits in
Allen Markel, a real estate agent, can help you take the first step. He will help you find a HUD-approved counselor and, with your OK, help you get started with the request.
Allen Markel is not a HUD counselor. He has no HUD affiliation. HUD does not endorse him. He charges nothing for this help, and he is paid nothing by any counselor.
Nothing you send here goes to HUD or to any counselor unless you say OK to that, separately.
Common questions
What is a HUD-approved housing counselor?
A housing counselor at an agency that HUD has approved. The counselor explains a homeowner's choices when payments are behind, and helps the owner talk with the mortgage servicer. Foreclosure counseling from these agencies is free.
How do I find one?
Call HUD's referral line at 800-569-4287, or search by ZIP code at HUD's counselor search or the CFPB housing counselor finder. Ask the agency if it is HUD-approved and how soon someone can talk with you.
Does it cost anything?
Counseling from a HUD-approved agency is free for foreclosure help. Do not pay anyone up front to stop a foreclosure or to help with a loan.
What should I bring to the first call?
The letters from the mortgage servicer, recent pay stubs and a list of monthly bills.
Is Allen Markel a HUD counselor?
No. Allen Markel is a real estate agent with no HUD affiliation, and HUD does not endorse him. He can help an owner find a HUD-approved counselor, and can go over selling options. He cannot stop a foreclosure or promise a result.
Keep reading
Ask Allen to help me find one
Tell Allen your name and how to reach you.He will contact you about finding a HUD-approved counselor.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Allen Markel, REALTOR® · Texas Premier Realty · TREC #0658294
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