Predatory lenders and real estate professionals can turn the dream of homeownership into a nightmare by pressuring borrowers into unaffordable loans, misleading buyers about the condition or value of their home, and other dishonest tactics. To help prevent foreclosures by predatory lenders, the Baltimore HELP Program (Homeowner Emergency Loan Program) provides Baltimore homeowners in danger of foreclosure with several important services:
  • Affordable mortgage refinancing and emergency home repair loans.
  • Grants to reduce mortgage debt in inflated appraisal cases known as property flipping.
  • Intervention with the existing mortgage lender, including legal action.
  • Financial counseling and homeowner education.
Applications may be submitted through any Baltimore City housing counseling agency that is approved by HUD to provide default and foreclosure counseling. Call Baltimore Community Lending at (410) 727-8590 for the agency nearest you, or click here for a list of approved agencies.