Avoiding Foreclosure in Springfield, MA

If you’ve missed one or more mortgage payments, it’s important to act quickly. Once a borrower defaults on a loan, lenders may begin the foreclosure process to recover the amount owed. Understanding your rights, timelines, and options under MA law can help you protect your home and avoid unnecessary stress.

Below you’ll find key details on the foreclosure process in MA, important legal notices, and resources that can help Springfield homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Struggling to Make your Mortgage Payments?

Foreclosure Requirements in Massachusetts

In MA, when a homeowner defaults on their mortgage, the lender or mortgage servicer must follow strict notification procedures before proceeding with foreclosure. These include:

• Notice of Default and Right to Cure
• Notice regarding the Federal Service-members Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
• Notice of Sale

These letters are meant to inform you and give you time to act.

What is Right to Cure (RTC)?

Right to Cure means Your Right to Fix the Problem. Effective January 1, 2016, MA General Laws Chapter 244, § 35A reduced the Right-to-Cure period from 150 days to 90 days. This means homeowners have 90 days to catch up on payments or work out a new plan with your lender, before the lender can move forward with foreclosure proceedings.

The Division of Banks’ (DOB) foreclosure regulation outlines how lenders must notify borrowers of a default and the repayment or modification options available to prevent foreclosure.
Under 209 CMR 56.00, mortgage servicers must:

• Follow clear standards and rules for handling Certain Mortgage Loans to avoid unnecessary foreclosures.
• Provide a 90-day Right-to-Cure notice (warning) before taking any foreclosure action.
• Offer information on available loan modification or repayment options.

What Should I Know About Foreclosure in Massachusetts?

• The Service-members Civil Act (SRCA) protects active-duty military personnel who had mortgage obligations before enlistment or deployment. All borrowers in default must receive this notice.
• Under MA General Laws Chapter 24 §14, a Notice of Sale must be mailed to the homeowner at least 14 days before the sale and published in the local newspaper once a week for three consecutive weeks.
• High-cost home loans offer special protections. If your home has high fees or rates, you may have extra protections under M.G.L Chapter 244 §35B. Borrowers may repeal as a defense against foreclosure if the original lender violated the law or charged prohibited fees.
• Lenders cannot charge prepayment penalties or raise the interest rate after default on a high-cost home loan.

How to Avoid Foreclosure in Springfield, MA?

1. Communicate Early with Your Lender
   
   If you’re up to date on your mortgage payments but starting to struggle, reach out to your mortgage lender right away. You don’t have to be behind to ask for help or apply for a loan modification. If you’re still current, you may need to show that you’re at risk of falling behind soon.
   
   Keep making payments while you look for help. Missing payments can hurt your credit score and move you closer to foreclosure.
   
   If you’re still current, you might also be able to refinance your loan with a new lender. Refinancing could lower your interest rate and make your monthly payments smaller. Talk with your bank or credit union’s lending department to see what options are available to you.
   
2. Request a Loan Modification
   
   You may qualify to modify your loan to reduce payments or adjust the interest rate. The Attorney General’s HomeCorps and other programs can help with this process.
   
3. Seek Free Housing Counseling
   
   Certified housing counselors can help you understand your rights and assist with budgeting or negotiating with lenders. See the HUD-approved counseling agencies listed below.
   
4. Avoid Foreclosure Scams
   
   Beware of anyone asking for payment upfront to “stop foreclosure” or “guarantee loan approval.” Only work with licensed professionals or government-approved counselors.
   
5. Consider Selling Your House Before Foreclosure
   
   If keeping the home isn’t possible, selling it – especially to a local cash buyer in Springfield, like, Hampden Homebuyers – can help you avoid credit damage, legal costs, and auction-related losses. We can buy your home in as little as 7 days! Sometimes faster depending on your situation.

Assistance Resources for Foreclosure in Massachusetts

Even though the Division of Banks (DOB) cannot force lenders to modify a loan, several trusted organizations offer free help:

HOPE Hotline – 24/7 Foreclosure Help

If you’re having trouble making payments or have received a foreclosure notice, call the HOPE Hotline anytime.
📞 888-995-HOPE (4673)
Counselors are available 24/7 to help you explore options and connect you to local assistance in Massachusetts.

Attorney General’s HomeCorps Loan Modification Hotline

Provides direct advocacy for homeowners seeking loan modifications.
📞 617-573-5333
Staffed by trained Loan Modification Specialists, the HomeCorps team works with lenders to help borrowers stay in their homes whenever possible.

Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)

HUD offers several programs to assist homeowners at risk of foreclosure.
These initiatives are run through the U.S. Treasury Department and HUD.
Visit their official page for a summary of available assistance programs.

Division of Banks – Imminent Foreclosure Assistance

If your home is scheduled for auction within seven business days, the DOB may help you request a 60-day delay (only available once and only for primary residences).
📞 617-956-1501
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM.
There is no guarantee a stay will be granted, but this option can serve as a last resort.

Legal and Counseling Resources

• Massachusetts HUD-Approved Counseling Agencies
• Massachusetts Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service
• Greater Boston Legal Services
• Harvard Legal Aid Bureau
• National Consumer Law Center
• Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association

Relevant Massachusetts Statutes and Regulations

• 209 CMR 56.00: Foreclosure Prevention Options
• M.G.L. c244: Foreclosure & Redemption of Mortgages
• M.G.L. c183C: Predatory Home Loan Practices
• 50 U.S.C. App. §§ 501 – 597b: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

Want To Learn How To Stop Foreclosure Now?

So, are you in foreclosure and want to learn how to stop foreclosure now?  We’ve created free online guides to help homeowners just like you find out your options on getting out of the sticky situation you’re in right now.

You aren’t the first person to go through a foreclosure… and won’t be the last.  So don’t feel ashamed. It happens.

The best thing you can do right now is to educate yourself on your options.  For some people selling your home is the best option (we’ll make a fair all-cash offer on your house today, just let us know about your situation here <<), sometimes we’re able to help homeowners STOP FORECLOSURE completely, and sometimes there are other options.  So, click one of the buttons above to get your free foreclosure guide.