Why So Many Homeowners Wait Too Long to Ask for Help

[David Litt]

One thing I’ve noticed when talking to homeowners in pre-foreclosure: many wait until it’s almost too late before exploring their options. By the time they reach out, the auction date is often just weeks away.

Some reasons I’ve seen:

• Shame or embarrassment about falling behind

• Fear of scams or distrust of anyone offering help

• Confusion about the process and deadlines

• Hope that something will magically work itself out

For those who’ve worked with distressed homeowners:

• How do you approach these conversations in a way that builds trust?

• Have you found strategies that help owners take action sooner?

• Do you think there’s enough education out there about foreclosure timelines and options?