Residential Foreclosure Help & Information

As a result of the resetting of variable rate loans, predatory sub-prime lending, the loss of jobs and other factors, Bergen County has seen an upsurge in home mortgage foreclosures. This is a nationwide problem, and is not expected to be resolved for several years.

If you are facing imminent foreclosure you should consult an attorney immediately. But until you receive legal assistance, or if you cannot afford it, please take advantage of the resources available here.

The New Jersey State Department of Law and Public Safety - Division of Consumer Affairs, and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance have developed materials to assist you in navigating the legal landscape of home foreclosure. These materials include downloadable booklets, answers to Frequently Asked Questions and schedules of seminars, all of which are available in English and Spanish.

These websites and documents also contain links for refinancing programs available through the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, and information on credit counseling.

• NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Home Mortgage Foreclosure Information
• NJ Department of Banking and Insurance "CONSUMER ALERT: Home Mortgage Foreclosures/Subprime Lending"

• NJ Consumer Affairs Brochure on Foreclosure Scams and How to Avoid Them
• NJ Consumer Affairs Brochure on Foreclosure Surplus Funds Scams

The Department of Banking and Insurance has set up a toll-free hotline to offer guidance, direction, and schedules of foreclosure seminars: 1 (800) 446-7467.

Also, In January 2009, the Governor, Chief Justice and Attorney General announced a program of mediation for residential foreclosures in New Jersey. Information is available via the links below.

• New Jersey Judiciary Foreclosure Mediation Program (Single)
• New Jersey Judiciary Foreclosure Mediation Program (Tri-fold)