This information was provided by Sheriff Joseph F McGinn and the Delaware County Sheriff's Office and is probably the most concise and complete explanation of the process, the options, and the contacts for anyone who may find themselves having a problem with affording their home payments that I have seen. I would like to thank the Sheriff's Office for permission to reprint the information here: Delaware County Sheriff's Office How to Save Your Home from Foreclosure Joseph F. McGinn
Sheriff of Delaware County =============================== 
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT A SHERIFF'S SALE OF A HOME? Do not ignore the letters from your lender's loss mitigation department.
- Explain your situation
- Be prepared to provide financial information Loss Mitigation is a program where homeowners and lenders work together to resolve a delinquent loan. Loss Mitigation can involve a short-term or long-term plan for bringing the loan current. It can also provide a way for the homeowner to make a graceful exit from an unaffordable mortgage. THE QUESTION THAT MUST BE ANSWERED IS: DO YOU WANT TO STAY IN THE HOME OR LEAVE THE HOME? = IF THE OPTION IS TO LEAVE THE HOME, THE HOMEOWNER COULD: SELL AND PAYOFF Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure - Homeowner voluntarily deeds property to lender. SHORT SALE When the home is sold at current fair market value and results in proceeds of less than total debt. (Viewed as a last resort) = IF THE OPTION IS TO STAY IN THE HOME, ANOTHER QUESTION MUST BE ADDRESSED. IS IT A SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL HARDSHIP OR A LONG-TERM FINANCIAL HARDSHIP? IF IT IS A SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL HARDSHIP, THE OWNER COULD: DO A REPAYMENT PLAN This is a formal, written agreement that temporarily increases the monthly payment until the loan is brought current. This usually requires cash down payment. The benefits of this are:
- The homeowner is able to remain in the home
- The homeowner can "makeup" missed payments over time. MORTGAGE FOREBEARANCE This is a formal, written agreement often in the form of a consent agreement where the monthly payments are reduced or suspended for a specific period of time. At the end of the agreed period, the homeowner resumes making regular monthly payments and tenders additional funds to make up for the past due amount. HOME-SAVER ADVANCE For Fannie Mae insured loans only - this program allows the homeowner to reinstate the mortgage. The homeowner signs a note at 5% interest payable over 15 years with no payment for the first 6 months. (HEMAP) HOMEOWNER'S EMERGENCY MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM In this program, which is offered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), the Homeowner must prove prove that a hardship existed which caused the default in the mortgage and the Homeowner must have a reasonable prospect of curing the default within 2 years. (HEMAP - 800-342-2397) IF THE HOMEOWNER HAS A LONG-TERM FINANCIAL HARDSHIP THE HOMEOWNER COULD: DO A LOAN MEDIATION - HOMEOWNER'S EQUITY RECOVERY OPPORTUNITY LOAN PROGRAM (HERO) With this program, which is a PHFA Program, PHFA purchases the mortgage from the lender and then sets the homeowner up on an affordable repayment agreement. This provides for up to 100% financing. REVERSE MORTGAGE This is only available to Homeowners who are 62 years of age or olde. It provides the homeowner with up to 60% of the value of the house. MORTGAGE MODIFICATION One or more of the terms of the mortgage may be changed to bring the loan current. Modification might involve extending the term or temporarily reducing the interest rate. Fees and other costs may be added to the principal balance that is owed. For any questions or additional information, please be sure to contact: Delaware County Sheriff's Office
201 West Front St
Media PA 19063
Phone: 610-891-4296
Sheriff's Website
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