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Foreclosure Prevention Toolkit




toolkit Home foreclosures are still on the rise all over the country, especially in Maine. 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

The most important message is: Don't wait! Look for help now! Try to find a legal advocate or qualified housing counselor today. Also, we hope that this information will help you to better understand the complex challenges that you're facing.

Attention Lewiston area Homeowners! Attend a free Foreclosure Prevention workshop. Get professional advice and go home with an action plan.
Lewiston Workshop - Birch St. Multi-Purpose Center, Thursday, December 4th, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Download the flier and help us spread the word!
Check back here to find out about later events in Augusta and Portland.
Foreclosure News

Nov 28, 2008 ~  A Win-Win Bankruptcy Reform (opinion from the bench)  Washington Post
Nov 28, 2008 ~  Foreclosure Reprieve Gives Hope To Some Families  Tampa Tribune
Nov 25, 2008 ~  Financial scammers target homeowners facing foreclosure  McClatchy
Nov 24, 2008 ~  Citi aid highlights need for mortgage help-Rep Frank  Reuters

News Archive

The Tools

new Foreclosure Rescue Scams: Just Say No!
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. Read more...

new HOPE for Homeowners (H4H) Act of 2008: Will It Help You?
You may have heard or read about this foreclosure "rescue package." Find out more about how it works and who it helps.

Don't Borrow Trouble!
Watch out! Learn the the signs of predatory lending so that you avoid bad deals in the future.

Can I Save My Home from Foreclosure?
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 broker and loan servicer.

Home Foreclosures in Maine
This explains the steps in the foreclosure process and what you can do to respond. Includes a sample answer to a court complaint and sample basic discovery request.

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.

new 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
Overwhelemd with bills? Here's a guide for deciding which bills to pay first, especially if you are considering bankruptcy.


Quick links

More information

MASH Resources (for lawyers)


Special thanks to the Office of the Maine Attorney General
and the Maine Bar Foundation for funding this outreach project

September 2007; updated October 2008


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