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Homeowner Resources

We know many homeowners in our state are facing financial challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis and may be struggling to keep up with mortgage payments. DSHA is providing the below information and resources to assist homeowners during this difficult time.

How to Get Mortgage Help

If you are late on your mortgage, think you may miss an upcoming payment, or are facing foreclosure because of a job loss or reduced income related to COVID-19, we encourage you to take the below steps as soon as possible:

  • Call your mortgage servicer immediately to explore your options. Be honest and upfront about your current financial situation. Contact information for your mortgage servicer can be found on your monthly mailed statement or by logging into your account online.
  • Ask your mortgage servicer if you qualify for forbearance, mortgage relief refinancing, payment deferral, or any other relief programs. Be sure to ask your mortgage servicer to provide specific details about the options available to you.
  • If you need additional assistance, contact a housing counseling agency in Delaware who will discuss your situation, provide guidance on next steps or meet with you to help develop a plan specific to your needs. Housing counseling agencies specialize in a variety of services to assist and educate homeowners. A list of HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can be found at this link.

It’s important that you act now! The sooner a homeowner addresses the problem and seeks help, the better the chance they can save their home.

If you are a homeowner who has already received a forbearance from your mortgage servicer but you are still facing financial difficulties, you should reach out to your servicer as soon as possible to request an extension on your forbearance. It is important that you stay in contact with your servicer so that you can navigate this process together and so that you can seek additional relief options if needed. Be aware that your forbearance will end on the predetermined date and you will be required to begin making mortgage payments after that date if you do not request an extension.

Additional Assistance Options

Several of the larger mortgage companies in the United States have taken actions to help homeowners. Below is information on the steps taken and resources that may be available to Delawareans struggling to make their mortgage payments as a result of the COVID-19 situation.

Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are offering help for homeowners who missed their mortgage payments due to a financial hardship related to COVID-19, including forbearance plans and a COVID-19 payment deferral option. To see what options may be available to you and check whether or not your mortgage is backed by one of the two organizations, visit their COVID-19 Homeowner Resources webpages at: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 
If you’re concerned about how to pay your mortgage or rent due to COVID-19, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers information on what to do now and what your options are for mortgage relief. ​Visit their website for more information and helpful resources.