Is there free help if I am facing foreclosure in New Jersey?

The agency's foreclosure prevention page says its Foreclosure Mediation Assistance Program was expanded by legislative action on January 24, 2022, to include both pre-foreclosure counseling and mediation assistance, and that the services are available at no cost to the public. Pre-foreclosure counseling is for owner-occupants of one to four unit properties whose mortgage is in default or in danger of default. You do not have to be in foreclosure yet.

The agency page says that homeowners who took part in counseling were nearly three times as likely to receive a loan modification and 70 percent more likely to remain current on their mortgage after the modification. Those are the agency's figures from research it cites, not a promise. It also says the sooner you call a HUD-certified housing counselor, the more options you will have. The court's mediation packet gives 609-278-7508 as the number to start.

The court's packet recommends getting a lawyer if you can, and says a person who cannot afford one can contact the legal services program in the county, whose number can be found online under Legal Aid or Legal Services. If you do not qualify, a county bar association's Lawyer Referral Service can supply names of attorneys in your area, sometimes for a reduced first consultation. The court staff can explain how the court works, answer questions about deadlines and give you sample forms.

The agency's counseling page says that it excludes tenants, heirs, non-occupant owners and investors. The court's mediation program applies only to a primary residence of one to four units and only if all borrowers take part. None of the programs promise to save a house. They help you understand your options and sometimes get a better answer from your lender.

The court's mediation packet says court staff can explain how the court works, tell you what the requirements are to have your case considered, give samples of court forms and guidance on how to fill them out, and usually answer questions about deadlines. It also tells self-represented people to make and keep copies of all completed forms and documents related to the case. Staff cannot give legal advice or tell you whether to bring a case.

A counselor may tell you a sale is the way to avoid a judgment or deficiency. Kaizen Home Buyers makes cash offers on New Jersey houses as-is, with no repairs and no agent commission. We can give an offer within 24 hours and close in 14 to 30 days or on the date you choose. Call 267-329-0084. Selling with an agent is another option. Both are worth comparing against your lender's payoff figure.