California foreclosure resources
Every legitimate source of free help, in one place
I keep this list because good information from more than one source is how you avoid the scams that circle foreclosure. Everything below is free or government-sponsored — use them, alongside me or instead of me.
The one rule that matters
Legitimate foreclosure help is free. California law prohibits charging homeowners upfront fees for foreclosure assistance. Anyone demanding money before doing the work is breaking the law — walk away and report them.
Government assistance
HUD Housing Counseling
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds free housing counseling agencies throughout California. Counselors help you understand your options, review your finances, communicate with your lender, and submit loan modification applications. This is the first call I recommend to everyone.
FHA Loss Mitigation
If you have an FHA loan, you may qualify for FHA-specific loss mitigation options, including modification programs and partial claims. Contact your loan servicer and ask specifically about FHA options.
VA Loan Assistance
Veterans with VA-guaranteed loans have access to VA loan technicians who can intervene with your servicer on your behalf. The VA offers several loss mitigation options of its own.
California Mortgage Relief Program
The state's pandemic-era grant program paid past-due mortgage and property tax balances for eligible homeowners. It is no longer accepting new applications, but the website remains the official source if the state announces new funding — and it's worth checking rather than trusting anyone who "guarantees" you a grant.
Free housing counseling
HOPE Hotline — Homeownership Preservation Foundation
Nonprofit counseling available 24/7 for homeowners facing foreclosure. Free, confidential, and offered in multiple languages. Also the national NeighborWorks-affiliated counseling line.
NeighborWorks America
A network of nonprofit housing organizations providing free foreclosure prevention services throughout California — budgeting help, loan modification applications, and plain-English explanations of your options.
California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)
The state agency for homeowner programs and foreclosure prevention information. Can connect you with local counseling agencies.
Free legal help
California State Bar — Lawyer Referral & Legal Aid
Connects you with attorneys who offer free or low-cost consultations for foreclosure-related legal issues, and lists legal aid organizations across the state.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Free legal services for lower-income residents of Los Angeles County, including foreclosure defense and housing issues.
Bay Area Legal Aid
Free civil legal services for lower-income Bay Area residents, including foreclosure prevention and tenant rights.
Know your rights
California Homeowner Bill of Rights
California law gives homeowners facing foreclosure real, enforceable protections:
- No dual tracking: your servicer cannot move the foreclosure forward while your complete loan modification application is under review
- Single point of contact: you're entitled to one person or team handling your case
- Written decisions: a modification denial must be explained in writing
- Right to appeal: you can appeal a denied loan modification
Unsure what these mean for your stage? See the California foreclosure timeline or the plain-English glossary.
How to spot a foreclosure scam
Scammers pull foreclosure notices from public records and target the people on them. Red flags:
- Charging upfront fees before providing any service
- Guaranteeing to stop your foreclosure
- Asking you to sign over your deed
- Telling you to stop communicating with your lender
- Asking you to make your mortgage payments to them instead of your servicer
Report foreclosure scams to the California Attorney General at (800) 952-5225.
Where I fit in
My Foreclosure Solution
I'm one person, not a call center — and not a law firm, brokerage, or lender. I help California homeowners understand where they are in the process, prepare what needs preparing, and get connected with the right licensed professional or attorney when the situation calls for one. The consultation is free, and I'll never discourage you from using the free resources above — they make my job easier.
Not sure which of these to call first?
Tell me your situation and I'll point you to the right resource — even if it isn't me. Free, private, no pressure.