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Options after Foreclosure

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If you recently lost your home to foreclosure, one of the first things you’ll need to do is find an affordable place to live – then you can focus on rebuilding your credit. Rest assured: there are many options for finding a place to rent, you can regain control of your finances and you are not alone.

Finding a New Place to Live

Even with a significant mark on your credit report, you should be able to find an affordable home to rent. You’ll want to keep the following considerations in mind when you are looking for a place to live:

• Ask your lender if they offer a program that would allow you to rent back the home you lost to foreclosure allowing you and your family to continue living in your current home while giving you time to find a new place to live.


• If the bank that owns your recently-foreclosed home needs you to vacate the property, ask them about programs that can help you access funds for relocation. Some lenders provide financial incentives if you can leave the property quickly and in good condition.


• Since your credit has been negatively impacted, it may take more time and more negotiation – and potentially more up-front money for a security deposit, so be prepared.
  
  Remember that there are many ways you may be able to counterbalance your low credit score rating – especially in these tough economic times. To help you in working with a potential landlord, consider having a couple of your friends or colleagues write a letter of recommendation on your behalf, providing a resume showing your work history or asking if you can have a co-signor on the lease.


• Help is available! If you are having difficultly finding an affordable place to live, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), along with other federal agencies, can assist you.
  • Reach out to a HUD-approved housing counselor in your area for assistance in finding a decent, affordable place to live.
  • If you are in need of a place to stay immediately, visit www.hud.gov/homeless/ for more information. There are funded programs that provide a range of services for people-in-need, including shelter, food, counseling and even job-skill programs.

Once you have found a place for your family to live, learn how you can rebuild your credit and regain control of your finances.