The Basic Tools
Foreclosure Rescue Scams: Just Say No!
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.
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?
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 broker and loan servicer.
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 Beginning Jan. 1, 2010,
all Maine District Courts will be offering a new mediation program. This gives debtors the chance
to sit down with their lender at the beginning of the court foreclosure process, to see if
they can reach an agreement.
Read more details on the Court's website here.
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Home Foreclosures in Maine
This explains the steps in the foreclosure process and what you can do to respond.
Includes a sample answer to a court complaint and sample basic discovery request.
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)
New Maine Law to Help Save Homes Maine official discusses
this 2009 law in WCHS News interview
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
Federal Making Home Affordable Program
What does the "Obama Plan" mean for you, as a struggling Maine home
owner? As we learn the details, we will post them here.
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.
HOPE for Homeowners (H4H) Act of 2008:
Will It Help You?
You may have heard or read about this foreclosure "rescue package." Find out more about how it works and who it helps.
Quick links
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 May 2009
Home foreclosures are still on the rise all over the country, especially in Maine.
You are not alone.
