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What are Closing Costs When Buying a Home?

Jennifer Hernandez • July 31, 2023

Buying a home is an exciting time! As you are preparing for your purchase, whether its your first time, or your tenth time, there are changes constantly happening in the industry! This article will cover closing costs when purchasing a home, which are paid in addition to any down payment.


Not only are there closing costs the day of closing, but we have a helpful article about other hidden costs of purchasing a home that is good to be aware of.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs refer to the expenses associated with the completion of a real estate transaction when purchasing or refinancing a home. These expenses are in addition to the purchase price or refinance loan balance of the home. Closing costs are a variety of fees and expenses that are paid at the closing day. Whether you pay cash or finance, there are fees involved. Paying cash definitely reduces required fees. Almost an estimated 70% of people finance homes, so that is what this article will concentrate on.


Closing costs can vary depending on state in which you are buying, so we always recommend checking with a local state lender where you live . It is important to consider closing costs when buying a home as they can impact the total cost of the purchase.

Typical Closing Costs Can Include:

Lender Processing Fees
Lender Underwriting Fees
Origination /Discount Points
Flood Certification
Flood Elevation Certification
Attorney Fees
Property Appraisal
Property Survey
Title Search
Title Processing Fees
Title Insurance
Legal services
County Filing Fees
State Tax or Filing Fees
Tax Certificates
Pre Paid Property Tax and Property Insurance
Prepaid Mortgage Interest
Homeowners Association Dues and or transfer fees

Importance of Closing Costs

Closing costs can add thousands of dollars to the total cost of buying the house. This can impact the buyer's budget and ability to finance the home. But keep reading! We will explain how you can negotiate with a seller to pay closing costs as well!

During the pre approval process, is when a lender will be revealing to you the the potential fees will be charged, as it will depend on things like credit score, down payment, loan type and property type.

Lender Closing Costs

Obtaining a mortgage requires a lending company, unless you are fortunate to have a family member finance for you. Typical (lender) fees you can expect are underwriting, processing, attorney fees, flood certification fees and appraisal fees. Mortgage costs can also include discount points, which are fees paid at closing to typically lower the interest rate on the mortgage.

Discount points and interest rates will differ depending on the property type you are purchasing as well.

Other Closing Costs

In addition to lender fees, there are other services that are required to coordinate for the home purchase or refinance to happen. Keep in mind that some of these fees are still also present if paying cash for the home.



  • Home inspection fees are one such expense. A home inspection is not required by any lender, but certainly advised. This inspection makes sure the buyer is aware of the inner mechanical safety and workings of the home . The cost of a home inspection can vary depending on the size and location of the property and the complexity of the inspection. Your local realtor or local lender will have a good idea of how much typical inspections are in your area.
  • Title insurance is another expense that is included in closing costs. Title insurance will be mandatory if you obtain a mortgage loan. If you are paying cash, it is definitely advisable, but not mandatory. Title insurance protects the buyer , and lender if applicable , from any issues that may arise with the title to the property. It ensures that the buyer is receiving clear title to the property from the seller, and that all debts, liens, and property taxes are cleared. It also ensures there are no breaks in the chain of title , ie ownership. The cost of title insurance can vary depending on the purchase price of the property.
  • Government fees for recordings and possibly state or local taxes are also due . Again, this will vary from state to state, and even city to city. So check with your local lending contacts for accurate estimates.
  • A property survey is a meets and bounds summary of the boundaries of your property. It will show building lines, easements for utility companies such as electric and gas, so that you know any restrictions for future improvements to your property.
  • Homeowners Association Dues are basically neighborhood fees. Depending on your state and /or local area , you may or may not have these fees. Usually if you are in a non zoned area, the neighborhood will have deed restrictions that govern the area. And that means dues likely are paid. At the time of purchase, it will be disclosed to you if this applies to you. If you are buying a condo or townhome, it should definitely be an expectation that these fees will be paid monthly, versus annually for most single family neighborhoods, if applicable.


These costs can add up quickly and significantly increase the overall cost of buying a home. By being aware of all of the expenses involved in the home buying process, buyers can better budget and prepare for the costs of owning a home.



It's also important to note some common hidden fees when buying a home.

How much are Closing Costs typically?

Closing costs can vary depending on various factors, such as the location of the property, the type of mortgage, and the lender. According to Bankrate, closing costs can range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price of the home. Most closing costs are fixed, like lender and title fees. But, what can be variable, and dependent on the purchase price, are the prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance. Many loans require the establishment of an escrow account for property tax and insurance. For this reason, it is crucial to get a loan estimate of closing costs from your local lender and to review the estimate carefully to ensure that all fees are understood. 

Unexpected Costs When Closing On A Home

It is important to be prepared for unexpected costs when buying a home. In addition to the estimated closing costs, there may be unexpected fees or expenses that arise during the home buying process. It is a good idea to set aside some extra money to cover unexpected costs or to negotiate with the seller to cover some of the costs.


Here is a great article on the Top Hidden Costs When Buying A Home.

Negotiating for the Seller to Pay Closing Costs

When buying a home, negotiating closing costs can save a large amount of money. The seller may be willing to contribute an amount to the buyer's closing costs. This can help reduce the financial burden of purchasing a home.


If obtaining a loan from a financial institution, like a Conventional or FHA loan, there are limits in place that restrict the amount that a seller can contribute. In general, conventional loans will limit on a primary residence the seller credit to 3 ,6 or 9 percent of the purchase price, depending on your down payment. An FHA loan, has a flat 6 percent of the purchase price limit. IMPORTANT NOTE: The amount of seller credit cannot exceed your actual closing costs . In many cases, once the loans exceed 300,000 or so, the allowable credit is more than the actual costs. This would be a great time to increase costs with mortgage discount points to buy the rate down, or even fund a 2/1 buydown of the interest rate. That would increase your closing costs, so that you could reap more credit from a seller if negotiated!


Just remember that anything is negotiable, and can be more successful when you are using a realtor, who will have lots of experience in this area. Realtors know the market, and know how to talk to sellers and their agents about what can be a fair offer for both buyer and seller.



One way to negotiate with the seller is to offer to pay a slightly higher buy price. This can be in exchange for the seller covering a part of the closing costs. Of course no one wants to pay more, but for some buyers, especially first timers, this can be a huge help in out of pocket expenses. When you spread a slightly higher price over 30 years, the change in your mortgage payment is usually negligible. 

Another choice for reducing closing costs is to shop around for lenders that offer lower closing costs. Some lenders may be willing to waive certain fees or offer discounts, which can help lower the cost of obtaining a mortgage.

It's important to keep in mind that negotiating closing costs is not always possible or successful. However, it's worth exploring different options and working with the seller and lender to find ways to reduce the financial burden of closing costs.

Did you know that there is a strategy that buyers can use to temporarily reduce monthly mortgage payments for the first 2 years of the loan? This strategy can be especially useful when rates are at a higher than normal level. The 2/1 Buydown could be just the product you are looking for and may help offset the closing cost fees in your real estate transaction.


Here is a comprehensive guide on how you can save hundreds on your mortgage payment by choosing the 2/1 Buydown.

How to Offset Closing Cost Fees

Partner with Loan Expert Jen

Closing costs can be a significant expense when buying a home. It's crucial to understand them and make a budget.

Negotiating with the seller or finding a lender that offers lower closing costs can also help reduce these expenses. If you're in Texas and looking for a reliable and experienced loan officer, who has been in the business since 1995, consider working with Loan with Jen.


We can guide you through the home-buying process and help you navigate the complexities of closing costs. Contact her today to get started.

Smiling woman using a credit card and smartphone, highlighting the importance of credit education.
By Jennifer Hernandez March 31, 2025
Your credit score is the key to unlocking your financial future. Understanding how it’s calculated can help you make better financial decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Many people find their credit score to be a mystery—sometimes it drops even when they make payments on time! If you've ever been frustrated by fluctuations in your score, this guide will break down the five key components of your credit score so you can take control and boost it effectively. Why Your Credit Score Matters Your credit score is a three-digit number that reflects your financial responsibility to creditors. It affects everything from securing a mortgage or auto loan to getting approved for credit cards and even determining your interest rates. The better your score, the more favorable your loan terms— lower interest rates, smaller deposits, and better financial opportunities . In fact, 90% of lenders use FICO scores as their primary credit evaluation tool ( source ). But how exactly is your FICO score calculated? Let’s break it down. The 5 Components of Your Credit Score 1. Payment History (35%) – Never Pay Late! Your payment history is the most important factor in your credit score. It includes: On-time vs. late payments (payments that are 30+ days late are reported to credit bureaus) Collections and charge-offs Bankruptcies or foreclosures 🔹 Pro Tip : Always pay at least the minimum payment by the due date. Setting up auto-pay can help prevent accidental late payments. If you’re struggling, reach out to creditors to discuss payment plans before you fall behind. 📌 More on improving your payment history: How Late Payments Affect Your Credit Score 2. Credit Utilization (35%) – Keep Your Balances Low Your credit utilization ratio refers to the percentage of available credit you’re using. High utilization can hurt your score, even if you pay your balance in full each month! 🔹 Best Practice : Keep your credit card balances between 10-30% of your credit limit. For example, if you have a $5,000 limit, don’t carry a balance higher than $1,500 at any time. 🔹 Secret Tip : Your balance is reported to the credit bureaus on your statement closing date , NOT when you make a payment. If you pay your credit card bill before the statement closing date, you can lower the reported balance and improve your utilization ratio. 📌 More on credit utilization: Mastering Your Credit Score 3. Length of Credit History (15%) – The Longer, the Better Credit bureaus consider how long your accounts have been open. Older accounts demonstrate stability and reliability . 🔹 Best Practice : Avoid closing old credit accounts, even if you don’t use them often. Keeping them open helps maintain your average account age . 📌 More on the importance of credit history: How are Credit Scores Made? 4. New Credit & Inquiries (10%) – Be Careful with Hard Pulls Every time you apply for credit, a hard inquiry is recorded on your report, which can slightly lower your score. Applying for multiple credit accounts in a short time signals to lenders that you may be in financial trouble. 🔹 Best Practice : Keep new credit applications to a minimum and only apply when necessary. 🔹 Good to Know : Soft inquiries (like checking your credit score on your own) do not affect your credit score! 📌 More on credit inquiries: Does a Hard Enquiry Damage My Credit Score? 5. Credit Mix (10%) – Variety Matters  Having a healthy mix of credit types boosts your score. Lenders like to see that you can manage different types of credit responsibly . A strong credit mix includes: Installment loans (e.g., mortgages, auto loans, student loans) Revolving credit (e.g., credit cards, home equity lines of credit) 🔹 Best Practice : If you only have one type of credit, consider adding another responsibly (e.g., opening a credit card if you only have loans). 📌 More on credit mix: How Your Credit Mix Affects Your Score
Person filling out a form with a focus on understanding hard inquiries on a credit report.
By Jennifer Hernandez March 24, 2025
Does a Hard Inquiry on Your Credit Really Hurt Your Score? If you're planning to buy a home in Texas, you may be wondering: Does a hard inquiry on your credit really damage your score, and how will it affect your chances of mortgage approval? Let's break down what a hard inquiry is, how it impacts your credit, and strategies to minimize its effect so you can confidently move forward with your home purchase. What is a Hard Inquiry? A hard inquiry occurs when a lender checks your credit report to assess your creditworthiness for a loan, credit card, auto loan, or mortgage. Unlike soft inquiries (which happen when you check your own credit or when a lender pre-qualifies you without a formal application), hard inquiries are recorded on your credit report and may impact your credit score. Inquiries remain on your credit report for up to two years , but the good news is that FICO scoring models (used by 90% of lenders) only consider them for one year. This means that while the inquiry stays visible on your report, its impact on your score diminishes after 12 months. How Hard Inquiries Affect Your Mortgage Approval  A hard inquiry alone is unlikely to prevent you from getting pre-approved for a mortgage. However, here’s what you need to know: FICO Treats Multiple Mortgage Inquiries as One: If multiple mortgage lenders pull your credit within a 30-day window , it only counts as one inquiry for scoring purposes. This allows you to shop for the best mortgage rates without penalty. Other Inquiries Can Hurt Your Score: While mortgage inquiries are grouped together, applying for credit cards, auto loans, or personal loans during the same time frame can lower your score. Impact Depends on Your Existing Credit Score: If your credit is already strong (e.g., 700+ score ), a hard inquiry may have a minimal effect—think of it as a small “peck” on a steel building. However, if your credit is already struggling, an additional inquiry could have a more noticeable impact. 👉 For a deeper dive into credit scores and mortgages, check out Loan with Jen’s guide on mortgage pre-approvals .
Concerned man reviewing a collections notice on his credit report while on the phone.
By Jennifer Hernandez March 20, 2025
Did you know that paying off a collection won’t help your credit score unless it gets deleted ? That’s right! Collections don’t automatically disappear from your credit report, even if you’ve settled the debt. If you’re planning to buy a house or improve your credit, removing collections can be a game-changer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through six proven steps to delete collections from your credit report forever , plus a bonus hack that might speed up the process. Follow these steps carefully, and you could see your credit score improve significantly! Why Collections Hurt Your Credit Score A single collection—whether it’s $10 or $5,000 —can drop your credit score by 100 points or more overnight. Your credit score affects more than just home loans. It impacts: Your ability to qualify for a mortgage Your interest rates on car loans and credit cards The deposit amount for utilities like electricity and internet Having a collection on your report can cost you thousands of dollars in extra interest over time. That’s why it’s crucial to remove them the right way . Step 1: Get Your Full Credit Report Before you start, you need to know exactly which collections are reporting and to which credit bureaus . Where to pull your credit report: AnnualCreditReport.com (Free once per year) MyFICO.com (Paid but gives accurate FICO scores, which mortgage lenders use) Pro Tip: Make sure you get reports from all three bureaus ( Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax ) since not all creditors report to every bureau. Step 2: Identify the Collections & Calculate Your Offer Once you have your report, write down all open collections (not charge-offs). Keep track of: Collection company name Amount owed Contact phone number Now, add up the total amount owed and calculate 50% of that number . This will help you negotiate later. For example: If your collections total $2,000 , set aside $1,000 for settlements. Having funds ready before negotiating gives you leverage to settle immediately when the time comes. Step 3: Research the Collection Agency Not all collection agencies have the same policies. Look up the collection company online to see if they offer Pay-for-Delete (PFD) agreements. This means they will remove the collection once you pay . If the company is PFD-friendly, mark them as a priority! Step 4: Call the Collection Agency & Negotiate This is where your sweet voice comes in! Be polite, professional, and never argue . Follow these steps: Call the collection agency directly (no emails or texts!). Ask for a settlement : Start by offering 20-25% of the balance. Negotiate : If they counteroffer, work towards 50% or less . Ask for Pay-for-Delete : Say, "If I settle today, will you delete this from all three bureaus?" Get it in writing : Before paying, request a written agreement confirming deletion . If they refuse Pay-for-Delete , do not pay . Keep calling back until you get an agent who will agree. Step 5: Make Your Payment & Track It  Once you receive a written confirmation , pay the settlement amount using a traceable method like: Credit/debit card Online payment portal (if available) Check or money order (with proof of payment) After paying, follow up with the collection agency to confirm when they will notify the credit bureaus. Most agencies report once per month , so expect deletion to take 30-90 days .
Businessman pushing credit score meter from poor to excellent.
By Jennifer Hernandez March 3, 2025
This information could save you thousands of dollars. Not all credit scores are FICO scores, and to complicate things even further, there are over three dozen versions of FICO ! If you’re planning to buy a home soon and are concerned about your credit score, keep reading—I’m breaking down the real facts. No fluff, just the essential details you need to know. The Credit Score Surprise As a mortgage loan officer with nearly three decades of experience , I’ve seen it all. Every week, I ask new clients what they think their credit score is. Without fail, the number they provide is different from the actual score I pull. Sometimes it’s just a few points off, but I’ve also seen differences of 100 points or more ! Why does this happen? Credit scores are highly individualized, and not all scores are calculated the same way. Here’s the good news—I’ve been pulling credit reports since mortgage companies began using FICO scores. I’ve learned how to navigate this complicated world, and I’m here to share what you need to know. What Is a FICO Score?
Checking FICO score on a smartphone, showing credit factors like payment history and usage.
By Jennifer Hernandez February 27, 2025
If you’re planning to buy a home in the next 12 months, understanding your credit score is essential. Not all lenders use the same credit scoring system, and the score you see from your credit card company may differ significantly from what mortgage lenders use. About 90% of lenders rely on FICO scores , but what exactly is FICO, and why is it so important? In this post, we’ll take a journey through the history of FICO and credit reporting, explain why not all credit scores are created equal, and give you practical tips to improve your credit score for home buying success. What Is FICO, and How Did It Start? To understand FICO, we need to take a step back into history. FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) wasn’t always the gold standard for credit scoring. Its roots go back to 1956 as a data analytics company that specialized in building algorithms for various industries. But credit reporting actually started before FICO got involved, it began much earlier—back in the 1800s . The Birth of Business Credit Reporting In 1841 , a company called The Mercantile Agency began collecting and recording data on businesses, providing valuable information to creditors. This company later rebranded as Dun & Bradstreet , which remains a major player in business credit reporting today. While businesses were being tracked and scored, there was no system in place for consumer credit. That changed in the early 1900s . The Evolution of Consumer Credit Reporting In Atlanta, The Retail Credit Company (RCC) emerged in the early 1900s, collecting extensive data on individual consumers. Unfortunately, they went too far—gathering private personal information, including political affiliations and even racial and sexual details. The U.S. government stepped in to regulate this overreach by enacting the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in 1970 , which established rules on how consumer credit information could be collected and shared. Feeling the heat from the new regulations, RCC rebranded as Equifax , one of the three major credit bureaus we recognize today, along with TransUnion and Experian . By the late 1980s , these agencies were struggling to make sense of the growing mountain of credit data. They needed a standardized system to interpret creditworthiness—so they partnered with FICO . How FICO Became the Standard for Credit Scoring In 1989 , FICO introduced its credit scoring system, which quickly became the industry standard for evaluating credit risk. FICO’s algorithm turned complex credit data into a simple three-digit score, making it easier for lenders to assess borrowers' trustworthiness when it came to paying back debt. Today, FICO is used by about 90% of lenders , although there are dozens of FICO models , each tailored to different types of lending (e.g., auto loans, credit cards, and mortgages). Why Your FICO Score May Vary  If you’ve ever checked your credit score online and then applied for a mortgage, you might have noticed a significant difference between the two numbers. That’s because not all credit scores are created equal. There are more than three dozen versions of FICO , and each one serves a different purpose. For example: FICO Auto Score is used by auto lenders to determine your car loan eligibility. FICO Bankcard Score is used by credit card companies. FICO Mortgage Score is used specifically by mortgage lenders. Each version uses a slightly different algorithm to weigh factors like payment history, credit utilization, and length of credit history. Mortgage lenders typically use the most recent version of FICO, which can result in a lower score compared to what you see on consumer credit apps. Getting the new FICO scoring into a company’s system is costly, so when you are getting a free credit report, you are most certainly not getting the most up-to-date and accurate credit score. Companies just can’t afford to give the score away for free.
Person pulling a needle on a credit score gauge toward the green zone, symbolizing improving credit
By Jennifer Hernandez February 17, 2025
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FHA home loan concept with cash and a calculator in the background
By Jennifer Hernandez February 12, 2025
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A man writing
By Jennifer Hernandez February 4, 2025
Are you curious about how conventional conforming loans work and how they might apply to you? Each year, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) reevaluates loan limits across the United States based on housing market trends. For 2025, these loan limits have increased again, making it easier for buyers to access affordable financing options with low down payments. This post dives deep into the latest updates, the benefits and drawbacks of conventional loans, and tips for maximizing your mortgage potential. What Are Conventional Conforming Loans?  You may hear the term Conventional Loan, or Conforming Loan or Conventional Conforming Loan. They are all the same. A conventional loan is a mortgage not backed by a government agency like FHA or VA loans. The term "conforming" refers to loans that adhere to the lending standards set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac , including loan size limits. For 2025, the baseline conforming loan limit is $806,500 , up from $762,000 in 2024. For high-cost areas, the maximum is $1,209,000 , making homeownership more accessible in regions with soaring property values. How Loan Limits Are Determined The formula for determining loan limits is based on the Housing Price Index (HPI) calculated by the FHFA. Here's how it works: The HPI for the third quarter of the current year is compared to the same period the year before. The percentage increase in home values dictates how much loan limits rise. In high-cost areas (think California, New York, and parts of Virginia), limits are adjusted to reflect regional property values. Areas like Hawaii, Alaska, and Key West, Florida , also fall into the high-cost category.
A stressed person holding their head with bills and a calculator on the table.
By Jennifer Hernandez January 28, 2025
Struggling with your mortgage servicer can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience. When facing financial struggles many homeowners struggle with the ability to effectively communicate with their servicer. It feels like hitting a brick wall. Unfortunately, this issue is more common than you might think. Most U.S. mortgage loans are managed by just a handful of large companies. Problems such as payment misapplication or lack of clarity can arise. If you’re in this situation, don’t lose hope—there are clear steps and reliable resources to help you. The Reality: Arlene’s Story Let me share the story of Arlene, a 70-year-old homeowner who found herself in a financial dilemma. A few years ago, Arlene successfully completed a loan modification and had been diligently making her payments. Recently, however, her mortgage was sold to another servicing company. Suddenly, payments were misapplied, and she began receiving late notices that were reported to credit bureaus. She was trying to get things fixed, but she was struggling with her efforts. Alone and unsure where to turn, Arlene’s situation highlights the challenges many borrowers face when trying to resolve errors with their servicer. Unfortunately, due to the late payments recorded on her credit report, refinancing with another lender was not an option for Arlene. However, there were steps she could take to address the issue directly with her current servicer and escalate the matter if needed. Key Steps to Resolve Issues with Your Mortgage Servicer If you find yourself in a similar situation, follow these tips to address the problem effectively. 1. Document Everything Keeping accurate and detailed records is critical. Start by saving every piece of correspondence, including emails, letters, and even screenshots of app communications. Most servicers will send you written communication—even if you’ve opted for electronic statements. These documents can become vital if you need to escalate the issue or provide proof of your efforts. Keep track of the dates you spoke to representatives. 2. Request Representative Identification Numbers Whenever you speak with a representative, ask for their name and ID number. This step ensures accountability and provides you with a way to track your interactions. If you need to follow up, referencing the representative’s name and ID can expedite the process. 3. Escalate When Necessary If your attempts to resolve the issue with the initial representative are unsuccessful, request to escalate your case. Use specific language, such as: "I would like to please escalate my file." "’I’d like to speak with your supervisor or manager please" Escalating your case often connects you with someone who has more decision-making authority and can provide additional support. 4. Stay Calm and Professional While it’s easy to feel frustrated or even angry, remaining calm and professional can make a significant difference. Representatives are human, and an aggressive or confrontational tone may hinder their willingness to assist. Mortgage companies generally want to avoid foreclosures—they’re more interested in helping you find a resolution. Being respectful and composed will make it easier for them to work with you. If you need to, tell them you have to put them on hold for a few seconds, put them on mute, take a few breaths to focus yourself on the task at hand, and then go back to the phone call. 5. Get a File Number When your issue is escalated, ensure you receive a case or file number. This number is critical for tracking the progress of your complaint and allows you to quickly reference your case if you need to call back. Ask for the name of the department you are talking to, as some corporations are very large and getting to the right department can be challenging. What to Do If Communication Fails If your mortgage servicer remains unresponsive or unhelpful despite your best efforts, don’t give up. You have additional resources available to escalate your complaint to higher authorities. File a Complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) The CFPB is a government agency tasked with protecting consumers in the financial marketplace, including the mortgage industry. To file a complaint: Visit ConsumerFinance.gov . Click on “Submit a Complaint” in the top-right corner. Create a login to access the complaint submission form. Upload any supporting documentation, such as letters, payment records, and notes from your interactions with your servicer. Clearly describe your desired resolution. For example, you might ask that your payment history be corrected or that a misapplied payment be refunded. Be realistic, fair, and keep to the facts. The CFPB will forward your complaint to the mortgage servicer and require them to respond within a specific timeframe. This process often helps expedite resolutions. Reach Out to HUD for Free Counseling The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers free resources and counseling to homeowners in need. HUD-certified counselors are trained to assist with mortgage issues and can provide guidance tailored to your situation. Visit HUD.gov . Use the search bar to locate services related to complaints or assistance. Many HUD counselors offer live chat or phone support to address your concerns in real-time. Why These Resources Matter  Both the CFPB and HUD are designed to protect homeowners like you. They serve as watchdogs for the mortgage industry, ensuring that servicers adhere to legal standards and treat borrowers fairly. The best part? These resources are free to use. Whether you file a formal complaint with the CFPB or seek counseling through HUD, you don’t need to worry about additional expenses during an already stressful time.
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