Throughout the Foreclosure Prevention Process

1. Keep notes of all your communications with the lender (or loan servicer), including date and time of contact, the nature of the contact (face-to-face, by phone, email, fax or postal mail), the first and last name of the representative, and the outcome.



2. Follow up any oral requests you make with a letter to the lender (or loan servicer). Send your letter by certified mail, “return receipt requested,” so you can document what the lender (or loan servicer) received. Keep copies of your letter and any enclosures.



3. Meet all deadlines the lender (or loan servicer) gives you.



4. Stay in your home during the process, since you may not qualify for certain types of assistance if you move out. Renting your home will change it from a primary residence to an investment property. Most likely, it will disqualify you for any additional “workout” assistance from the lender (or loan servicer). If you choose this route, be sure the rental income is enough to help you get and keep your loan current.



5. If you do not hear back from the lender (or loan servicer) in a reasonable amount of time after communicating with them, contact them again.  Continue to follow up.

Source: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/homes/rea04.shtm