Important Foreclosure Mediation Forms for Homeowners
Additional Civil Division forms are available on the Legal Practice Forms page.
Foreclosure Mediation training was given from November, 2008 through May 6, 2009.
No additional training is scheduled.
Homeowners in Bankruptcy
The New Jersey federal bankruptcy court has promulgated an order establishing that participation in the New Jersey Judiciary’s Foreclosure Mediation Program by mortgagors and debtors with pending bankruptcy cases who meet the qualifying conditions of the Foreclosure Mediation Program shall not be deemed violative of the automatic stay. Therefore, immediately, this condition for participation in the New Jersey foreclosure mediation program is rescinded.
HUD/NJHMFA-Certified Housing Counselors
Housing counselors are FREE and are assigned through the toll-free number 888-989-5277. If the hotline is busy due to heavy call volume, homeowners may visit www.lsnj.org/index.aspx and complete the online form or homeowners can contact an approved agency directly. Homeowners can also access the list of HUD/NJHMFA-certified counseling agencies at the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency web site. The counseling agencies are listed by county.
Homeowners who have previously requested mediation on their own are urged to contact a HUD/NJHMFA-certified housing counselor.
The time to complete a foreclosure action and schedule a sheriff’s sale is approximately ten to twelve months. Therefore, in most cases, ample time is available to schedule a first conference with the HUD/NJHMFA-certified housing counselor. Lenders report that complete and up to date financial information is critical to their ability to consider a loan modification. Homeowners are urged to use any pre-conference time to assemble income, expense and asset information so a complete financial package can be assembled by a housing counselor on your behalf.
Rescue Scams
Companies that promise to help you get a loan modification or to rescue your home from foreclosure are popping up all over New Jersey. You need to protect yourself and your home from scam companies that have no regard for you and your home.
You need to carefully check the company’s credentials, reputation, and experience, watch out for warning signs of a scam. Companies may falsely claim to be affiliated with a non-profit or government entity or endorsed by government officials. You should maintain personal contact with your lender and mortgage servicer. Your mortgage lender can help you find real options to avoid foreclosure. You should use the FREE HUD/NJHMFA-certified housing counselor accessible above. More information including tips to avoid foreclosure scams are outlined in the Public Announcement released by the Federal Reserve.
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