Foreclosure Prevention


As a homeowner, the responsibility can sometimes be overwhelming. If you are experiencing a homeownership crisis, please contact Lou Sivulka, Homeownership Advisor & Foreclosure Prevention Specialist.

DHIC’s Homeownership Center offers foreclosure prevention counseling to help Triangle-area homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes find alternatives to foreclosure. These services include:

  • Free counseling and support for homeowners who may be eligible for financial payments under the National Mortgage Settlement and Independent Foreclosure Review.
  • Helping homeowners understand their options: to keep their home through a servicer modification or to sell their home via the short sale process.
  • Helping eligible homeowners find the additional services that may be available to them.

DHIC is one of 47 organizations participating in the new statewide foreclosure prevention initiative launched by the North Carolina Attorney General from the National Mortgage Settlement and the Independent Foreclosure Review.

Tips when Facing Foreclosure

In addition to seeking help from a DHIC housing counselor, homeowners facing foreclosure should consider the following tips:

Don’t wait too long.

The earlier a homeowner seeks help, the more viable options they have for saving their home. Homeowners are encouraged to open and respond to all mail from their lenders and from the N.C. Housing Finance Agency. Both parties will provide information regarding the “next steps” in averting foreclosure.

Talk to an attorney if you have already received a foreclosure notice.

North Carolina has a network of legal aid attorneys that provide help at low or no cost. Legal Aid of North Carolina provides free legal services to eligible clients.

Avoid foreclosure prevention companies and foreclosure recovery scams.

Homeowners should read and understand the terms of all documents, never appoint a foreclosure prevention company to act on their behalf, and get professional advice from an attorney, a real estate professional or a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Homeowners who believe they were the victim of a foreclosure recovery scam should contact the N.C. Attorney General’s office at (877) 5-NO-SCAM.

Helpful Documents

Here are some documents you may be asked to read or prepare before we schedule your first counseling session.