Homeowner Tips

Reverse Mortgages

Looking for reverse mortgage information or counseling? Find a HUD-approved reverse mortgage counselor online or call 800-569-4287. 

What help can you expect to find? 

• More information on the reverse mortgage program. 
• Homeowners who have a reverse mortgage and are currently behind in property taxes.
• Homeowners insurance.
• Homeowners seeking a certificate for reverse mortgage counseling. 
• Homeowners interested in learning about other senior supportive counseling programs and services. 

Mortgage Relief and Foreclosure

We collaborate with a variety of private and government partners to raise awareness about loan-modification scams, help homeowners avoid or mitigate foreclosure through a network of HUD-certified counselors, and work to revitalize distressed communities using a holistic, comprehensive approach. 

At NeighborWorks America we realize that in these challenging times, too many families and individuals in our communities are at risk. Their health is at risk. Their financial security is in jeopardy and, in turn, so are their homes.

Many homeowners are struggling to make mortgage payments as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, so it's important to know your options and your rights. A vast number of homeowners have the right to a forbearance on their mortgage for a coronavirus-related financial hardship. Contact your lender to find out if your loan qualifies. It's important to know and understand your options before you fall behind on a payment so you don't run the risk of damaging your credit.

What Is Forbearance?

Forbearance is when your mortgage servicer or lender allows you to temporarily pay your mortgage at a lower payment or pause paying your mortgage. You will have to pay the payment reduction or the paused payments back later.

Homeowners who receive forbearance under the CARES Act are not required to repay their skipped payments in a lump sum once the forbearance period ends. You can talk with your mortgage servicer, or start with a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, to discuss a repayment plan that works for your situation.

Additional resources to understand forbearance and whether it's a good option for you:

• Find more information on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's website
• Learn about mortgage relief options
• Understanding forbearance during COVID-19
• Mortgage relief help for homeowners
• Are you at risk of foreclosure?

Please visit CovidHelpForHome.org if you wish to use the outreach materials offered by the National Outreach Campaign. Please note that this is a third-party site, and NeighborWorks America does not own the materials. You will be asked to contract with the third party for use of the materials and to abide by their terms of use.

Foreclosure Resources

Read 10 tips on how to avoid foreclosure. For homeowners who are unable to meet their loan repayment obligations, there's still help available! 

We collaborate with a variety of private and government partners to help homeowners and work to revitalize distressed communities. 

Foreclosure Tips and Help

• Connect with a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. The housing counselors at this hotline can speak with you regarding all of your options.
• If you are in danger of losing your home, follow the action steps in our guide. 
• Beware of loan modification scams. Homeowners facing foreclosure are losing their money — and their homes. Information is your best defense. If you know the facts and the warning signs of a scam, you can protect yourself. Visit Stop Home Scams to learn more.

More Help from Trusted Resources

• Avoiding foreclosure resources from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency 
• Mortgage and housing assistance resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Know your options as a homeowner
• Foreclosure prevention resources from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
• Homes and mortgage resources from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Home Repair

Chances are, your home is the biggest investment of your life. Regular care helps protect your purchase and your quality of life.

Many NeighborWorks organizations offer classes on homebuyer education. View our directory to find a member organization near you.
 

Home Repair Tips

Chances are, your home is the biggest investment of your life. Regular care helps protect your purchase and your quality of life.

Many NeighborWorks organizations offer classes on homebuyer education. View our directory to find a member organization near you.

Here are some important home maintenance tips:

• Preventive maintenance includes routine checks and repairs that improve your home’s appearance and function. It can also prevent expensive damage. Examples:
  • Check your roof, basement and outside walls for water or insect damage.
  • Repair and replace caulk, weather-stripping, glazing, and window and door seals as needed to reduce air flow.
  • Inspect insulation and replace any wet or damaged pieces.
  • Clean debris from gutters and downspouts.
  • Examine carpets and flooring. Treat minor mold growths quickly.
  • Have your furnace, air conditioner and hot water heater inspected, upgrading them as needed to improve energy efficiency. Replace air filters regularly.
  • Thoroughly clean lint and debris that have built up in dryer ducts and behind lint screens.

• Ongoing maintenance include fixing or replacing items as they wear out through normal use. For example:
  • Repair or replace an inefficient furnace, air conditioner or water heater to save energy and money.
  • Repair and replace leaking faucets and plumbing.
  • Routinely replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.

• Green and healthy practices. Protect your health and your family’s by using natural cleansers that don’t release toxic chemicals. Many products you have in your kitchen can be used to safely and naturally clean your home. Examples:
  • Baking soda is a mild, natural abrasive that can be used to clean all surfaces without worrying about scratching surfaces. It works great on tea and coffee stains.
  • White vinegar is mildly acidic and handily removes soap scum.
  • Lemon juice is a natural bleach and disinfectant. It’s a great stain remover and deodorizer.
  • Club soda is also a natural stain remover and works well on fabrics without bleaching.

Additional resources

For additional home maintenance tips, visit the "Home Improvement" section of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developmemt website.

Volunteering can also be a great way to learn about home building and home maintenance. Rebuilding Together and Habitat for Humanity may offer volunteer opportunities near you.