Thank you for visiting the WPCOG Foreclosure Prevention website. We hope you find this information useful and convenient to use. If you should require assistance in using this site and/or leveraging the resources described herein, please do not hesitate to complete and submit the form found under the "Information Request" section located to the right. A WPCOG Foreclosure Prevention Specialist will be more than happy to contact you. The Western Piedmont Council of Governments is a non-profit, HUD-certified housing counseling agency that offers foreclosure prevention assistance and housing counseling at no charge.

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In the meantime, if you are facing a foreclosure, please remember these tips:
 

1. Don't Panic, Take Action, Contact Your Mortgage Lender - You can find your lender’s contact information on your monthly mortgage statement or coupon book. Your lender has workout options to help you avoid foreclosure, such as a loan modification, forbearance, or a repayment plan. Open and respond to all contact from your lender. If you ignore their notices or phone calls, they may proceed with foreclosure action.
    

2. Prioritize Your Spending - Create a crisis budget. Prioritize your mortgage payment. Review your finances and cut spending where you can to make your mortgage payment. Delay making payments to any “unsecured” debts or credit cards until after you have made your mortgage payment.
    

3. Avoid Foreclosure Prevention Companies - Beware of any loan modification companies that guarantee an outcome or charge a fee. They cannot guarantee a modification! Only your lender can approve or deny a loan modification or other workout.  You can work with a HUD-certified housing counseling agency for free. If you fall for a loan modification scam, you can file a complaint with the NC Department of Justice.

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The WPCOG Foreclosure Prevention Counseling services operate under federal guidance:

• HUD Certified Counseling - HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are available to provide you with the information and assistance you need to avoid foreclosure. As part of President Obama's comprehensive Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (HASP), you may be eligible for a special Making Home Affordable loan modification or refinance to reduce your monthly payments and help you keep your home.

When you arrive at the WPCOG offices for your first Foreclosure Prevention Counseling session, you will need to bring the following information for both you and your spouse:
 

• Hardship letter: a written letter to your mortgage company explaining why you are unable to pay your current mortgage or have fallen behind in your payments

• Recent mortgage statement

• Current property tax bill and homeowner’s insurance declaration page (if it is NOT escrowed)

• Bank statements for the most recent two months for any open checking or savings accounts ALL PAGES

• Income statements (paycheck stubs) for the most recent two months (for you, your spouse and/or anyone else contributing to household finances)

• If you are SELF-EMPLOYED, we will need a Profit and Loss statement for most recent quarter or year-to-date

• If you are UNEMPLOYED and RECEIVE UNEMPLOYMENT INCOME, we will need your Wage Transcript and Monetary Determination, your claim profile, and your benefit history

• Letter of contribution from spouse (if spouse did not sign the loan application)

• All monthly bill statements (utilities, telephone, cable, insurance, etc.) for the most recent month

• Award/Proof Letter for Disability Income, Social Security Income, alimony, child support and/or food stamps

• Federal Tax Returns for the most recent two (2) years, including W2’s/1099’s – SIGN PAGE 2 OF 1040 (Copies are available AT NO COST from the local IRS office)

• Quit Claim Deed, legal separation or divorce papers, death certificate of spouse, if applicable

• Notice of Foreclosure Hearing and/or 45-day Notice of Intent to Accelerate, if applicable

• Click here for other related forms