Foreclosure occurs when a bank or lender takes back a house from an individual who is unable to make their mortgage payments. The foreclosure process usually takes several months and involves court proceedings. The person losing their home gets notices and opportunities to catch up on payments before they have to leave.  In a foreclosure scam, individuals known as "foreclosure rescue operators" deceive homeowners by false promises of saving their homes.  They may offer to modify their loans or help them avoid the foreclosure process for a fee.   

Resources 

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• Project Sentinel (HUD certified), Milpitas

     Provides counseling to homeowners in foreclosure prevention

•  Law Foundation of Silicon Valley - Housing Program 

      Free legal advice or representation on home issues for low-income residents 

• Santa Clara County District Attorney - Real Estate Fraud Unit 

  • Law enforcement reporting that will allow the process 

  •   Investigate and prosecute real estate fraud, including loan modification scams.  

Additional Support Programs 

• Office of Supportive Housing: Provides financial assistance related to housing and housing specialist assistance, including housing search, location, referral, landlord mediation, and dispute resolution. Homelessness prevention | Office of Supportive Housing | County of Santa Clara

• Santa Clara County Housing Authority: Provides Section 8 voucher assistance and other housing support services. Additional Support can be found through Santa Clara County's Division of Equity and Social Justice, which investigates complaints and advocates for those who have experienced housing discrimination.