Where to begin
- A home-equity debt is secured by the home, even if the first mortgage is current.
- Ask the servicer about payment changes, hardship and repayment options.
- Discuss lien and foreclosure exposure with a housing counselor or qualified lawyer.
What changes the path?
- Could a lower monthly payment be workable?
- Whether there are court papers, a lien, a levy, or a property/service deadline.
- The jurisdiction, balance and specific agreement or program.
What to gather
Keep the original agreement, recent itemized statement, payment history and any notices. Review them privately; this questionnaire does not need documents, account numbers or sensitive identifiers.
Keep the tradeoffs in view.
A home-equity line is secured by your home. A current first mortgage does not remove second-lien risk. Ask the servicer and a housing counselor about options; obtain legal help for foreclosure or lien notices.
Sources you can inspect
- HUD: Find a housing counselor
- CFPB: Trouble paying a mortgage
- Find local legal aid (Legal Services Corporation)
Educational research dated October 18, 2026. Rules and programs can change. This page has not received an attorney or professional signoff.