The Basic Tools
Foreclosure Rescue Scams: Just Say No! (Februrary 2008)
You are the most vulnerable to predators when you are behind in your payments or are facing foreclosure.
They know that you are feeling desperate. Don't bite!
Un nota para los Dueños de Casa:
¿Está enfrentando una ejecución hipotecaria? Los estafadores están apuntando contra las personas que están teniendo
problemas para pagar sus hipotecas.
Can I Save My Home from Foreclosure? (updated August 2010)
Here are some basic tools to help you strategize: Do I want to propose a "workout" plan?
What kind of plan? Where can I get help? What can I do to help my legal advocate help me?
Includes sample letters to your loan servicer.
Federal Making Home Affordable Program
(updated August 2010)
Will the "Obama Plan" help you? Although not as many people have been helped as Washington
had predicted, more banks are now taking part in this foreclosure rescue program. Find out if you qualify.
HAMP Tips: Making Home Affordable Program
(October 2010)
Here's more simplified step-by-step information to help you navigate the HAMP system.
Court Mediation: Your Chance to Stop Foreclosure! (updated December 2010)
The Maine Courts are offering a new mediation program. This gives you the chance
to sit down with your mortgage company at the beginning of the court foreclosure process, to see if
you can find a good alternative to foreclosure.
Home Foreclosures in Maine (updated July 2010)
This explains the steps in the court foreclosure process and what you can do to respond.
Includes a sample answer to a court complaint and sample basic discovery request.
Foreclosure Forms
Find links to our sample forms here. For information about when and how to use the forms,
read our self-help pages (all linked from this page).
Self-help Videos 
Watch Pine Tree's three-part instructional series "Understanding Foreclosure"
Part 1: Essential Tips (Before Foreclosure)
Part 2: The Foreclosure Process
Part 3: Make Your Action Plan
Just Say No to Rescue Scammers Stories
of real people who were victims of rescue scams (Federal Trade Commission)
Documents Your Lender Needs to Help You Message
from the federal Making Home Affordable program
Example of Predatory Lending
Watch a homeowner get taken in by a predatory lender (HUD-funded legal services video)
More Tools
Don't Leave Money on the Table
Use this checklist to find out if you are getting all of the tax credits and other benefits you could be
getting. This could help your overall financial picture.
Help with Winter Utility and Fuel Bills
Save money to pay your mortgage by getting help from these state and federal programs.
Bankruptcy: Is It the Right Choice for You?
If you have a steady stream of income, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy might be a good legal tool to
help you save your home.
Payment Plan Guide .pdf file
Overwhelmed with bills? Here's a guide for deciding which bills to pay first, especially if you are considering bankruptcy.
Don't Borrow Trouble!
Watch out! Learn the the signs of predatory lending so that you
avoid bad deals in the future.
Fair
Lending
This explains common problems of discrimination in mortgage lending, how to
file a complaint if you are being discriminated against, and general information
about predatory and subprime lending.
Quick links to free advocates
More information
MASH Resources (for lawyers)
Special thanks to the Office of the Maine Attorney General
and the Maine Bar Foundation for funding this
outreach project
Updated
August 2010
The rate of home foreclosures in Maine is still very high.
You are not alone.
