How to find a legit housing counselor (HUD-approved) and what to bring to the appointment

f you need a neutral third party to help navigate a mortgage hardship, a HUD-approved housing counselor can be a strong first step.
What to do:

• Search “HUD approved housing counselor” + your city/state
• Confirm they’re tied to a nonprofit counseling agency (not a “processing company”). Bring:
• Most recent mortgage statement + any notices
• Income proof (paystubs/benefits)
• Two months bank statements
• Monthly expense list (utilities, car, childcare, insurance)
• A short hardship summary (what happened, when, what changed, what you can pay now). They can help you understand options and submit a clean package. For state-specific rights or court steps, consult an attorney.