Foreclosure Prevention & Assistance FAQs

How can I stop foreclosure in California?

You can stop foreclosure in California by exploring several options, including loan modifications, repayment plans, mortgage forbearance, refinancing, or filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Each option depends on your financial situation and how far along you are in the foreclosure process. Acting quickly with a foreclosure prevention specialist increases your chances of success.

What are the best foreclosure prevention strategies?

The best strategies include:
1. Loan modification to adjust interest rates or loan terms.
2. Repayment plans to catch up on missed payments.
3. Forbearance agreements to temporarily pause or reduce payments.
4. Refinancing to replace your current loan with a more affordable one.
5. Chapter 13 bankruptcy to legally stop foreclosure and restructure debt.

The right strategy depends on your income, mortgage balance, and lender’s willingness to negotiate.

Can Equity Shield help me if I’m already behind on my mortgage?

Yes. Equity Shield specializes in helping homeowners who are behind on payments or already in foreclosure. Our team works with lenders, explores legal protections, and builds a personalized plan to stop foreclosure and protect your home, credit, and financial future.

What’s the difference between foreclosure prevention and foreclosure assistance?

Yes, homeowners in California often have options even after receiving a Notice of Default. Lenders may still work with you on loan modifications, repayment agreements, or forbearance plans. In some cases, Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection can immediately stop foreclosure and provide time to catch up on missed payments. With the right strategy, many homeowners are able to keep their homes after a Notice of Default.

Can I get a loan to stop foreclosure in California?

California homeowners have several rights during foreclosure, including:
1. The right to receive written notices about the process.
2. The right to reinstate the loan before the foreclosure sale by catching up on missed payments.
3. The right to redeem the property in some cases after the sale.
4. The right to pursue foreclosure alternatives such as forbearance, loan modification, or bankruptcy protection.
Understanding these rights—and getting help early—can make the difference between losing your home and protecting it.

How does Chapter 13 bankruptcy help stop foreclosure?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy immediately halts foreclosure through an automatic stay, even if a sale date is scheduled. It allows you to set up a court-approved repayment plan (usually 3–5 years) to catch up on missed mortgage payments while keeping your home. Unlike Chapter 7, which wipes out debt but doesn’t save your home, Chapter 13 is specifically designed to stop foreclosure.

What are mortgage forbearance and repayment plans?

1. Forbearance is a temporary pause or reduction in mortgage payments, usually granted during financial hardship.
2. Repayment plans allow you to pay back missed mortgage payments in installments over time, while keeping up with your regular payments.
Both can help homeowners recover from short-term setbacks and avoid foreclosure.

Can a loan modification stop foreclosure?

Yes. A loan modification is one of the most effective foreclosure prevention tools. It involves changing the loan terms—such as lowering the interest rate, extending the loan period, or reducing the principal balance—to make monthly payments affordable. If approved, a loan modification can reinstate your mortgage and stop foreclosure permanently.