{"id":369131,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:15","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/foreclosure\/housing-and-credit-counseling.html"},"modified":"2026-09-28T14:13:46","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T19:13:46","slug":"housing-and-credit-counseling","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/housing-and-credit-counseling.html","title":{"rendered":"Housing and Credit Counseling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Housing and Credit Counseling<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/robert-rafii-esq\/\">Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 28, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>The role of a housing counselor is to help homeowners and renters understand their options for financial challenges and housing issues.<\/li>\n<li>Housing counseling services are usually free or low cost.<\/li>\n<li>You can look for a certified housing counselor through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or your state&#8217;s housing agency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<p>If you&#8217;re a homeowner who has fallen behind on mortgage payments, you may be facing foreclosure. You may be close to losing your home because of a difficult financial situation.<\/p>\n<p>But you don&#8217;t need to handle the foreclosure prevention process alone. Depending on your situation, you may want to speak with a housing counselor. Read on to learn how a housing counselor can help you maintain homeownership in the face of crisis. You can also consult with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/foreclosure-alternatives\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">foreclosure lawyer<\/a> about your options.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>What Is a Housing Counselor?<\/h2>\n<p>A housing counselor is a professional who has the training and government certification to assist people with issues related to their housing. They primarily educate and advocate for renters, homebuyers, and homeowners. Their goal is to help these clients find affordable housing and prevent problems like foreclosure and eviction.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A counselor with a housing counseling agency can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Answer your questions about how to secure or stay in your housing<\/li>\n<li>Assess your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/what-is-foreclosure.html\">foreclosure situation<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Discuss your options related to housing and managing payments<\/li>\n<li>Prepare you for discussions with your loan servicer or lender<\/li>\n<li>Help you prioritize your debts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Assistance programs are available in the form of credit counseling services and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/more-foreclosure-frequently-asked-questions.html\">foreclosure<\/a> prevention counseling.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>Cost of Housing Counselors<\/h2>\n<p>Under the law, counselors may be required to provide free assistance to eligible homeowners who can&#8217;t afford the payment. For example, nonprofit credit counselors may offer free services to people close to experiencing homelessness. But not everyone may qualify for free counseling.<\/p>\n<p>To charge money, counselors must have a clear cost structure. They may charge reasonable fees for the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pre-purchase counseling<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/reverse-mortgages.html\">Reverse mortgage<\/a> counseling<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/the-eviction-process-faq.html\">Renter eviction<\/a> counseling<\/li>\n<li>Post-purchase (non-delinquency) counseling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some agencies restrict their counseling services to homeowners with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/fha.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FHA<\/a>\u00a0mortgages. But for any homeowner having <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/what-are-mortgage-assistance-programs.html\">difficulty making mortgage payments<\/a>, many others will offer free help.<\/p>\n<h2>How Counseling Helps During and After Foreclosure<\/h2>\n<p>You may be wondering what a housing counselor can and can&#8217;t do for you. They can help educate you during a home purchase or foreclosure. A counselor can also direct you to forms and applications related to your needs, and they can explain how to fill them out.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>Housing Counseling Before Buying a Home<\/h3>\n<p>First-time homebuyers who take advantage of pre-purchase counseling may complete the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home.html\">homebuying process<\/a> in a better position to avoid defaulting on their debts.<\/p>\n<p>Homebuyer education programs are available to help you understand the basics of:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Finding and working with a good <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/home-buying-agent-vs-real-estate-attorney.html\">real estate agent<\/a> (realtor)<\/li>\n<li>Participating in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/finding-a-home-loan-down-payment.html\">downpayment<\/a> assistance programs<\/li>\n<li>Obtaining <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/qualifying-for-mortgage.html\">mortgage loans<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Paying <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/closing-and-continuing-costs.html\">closing costs<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Having responsible debt management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Housing Counseling Before Foreclosure<\/h3>\n<p>During foreclosure, a counselor may be able to help you\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/avoiding-foreclosure.html\">explore loss mitigation strategies<\/a>. They may be able to prepare you for\u00a0ways to reach out to your lender. This includes finding solutions for reducing mortgage payments and asking for more time to catch up on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/behind-on-your-mortgage-payments.html\">late payments<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A counselor might even be able to help\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/mortgage-modification.html\">modify<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/debt-relief\/do-s-and-don-ts-refinancing.html\">refinance your existing loan<\/a>. By lowering your interest rate or adjusting your monthly payments, you might be able to escape foreclosure.<\/p>\n<h3>Housing Counseling After Foreclosure<\/h3>\n<p>Even if your home has already been foreclosed, a counselor may be able to offer helpful assistance. For instance, some states allow homeowners to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/regaining-ownership-after-foreclosure-statutory-redemption.html\">reclaim their foreclosed properties<\/a> in certain situations. Others provide ways for borrowers to take the sale of their home into their own hands in lieu of having banks conduct it forcefully.<\/p>\n<p>A counselor can help you take advantage of these opportunities to minimize the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/foreclosure-consequences.html\">effects of foreclosure<\/a>, such as damage to your finances and credit score.<\/p>\n<h2>Housing Counselor vs. Real Estate Lawyer<\/h2>\n<p>A housing counselor cannot provide certain services, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Give <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-legal-advice.html\">legal advice<\/a> about what you should do<\/li>\n<li>Represent you in court, such as for foreclosure or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/how-to-stop-eviction-after-a-foreclosure.html\">eviction defense <\/a><\/li>\n<li>File a lawsuit, such as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/landlord-tenant-disputes-faqs.html\">landlord-tenant dispute<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/house-sold-with-a-lien-can-i-sue.html\">post-purchase lawsuits<\/a>, on your behalf<\/li>\n<li>File for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/what-is-bankruptcy\/facing-foreclosure-how-bankruptcy-can-help.html\">bankruptcy in foreclosure<\/a> on your behalf<\/li>\n<li>Advise you in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/how-to-determine-if-you-need-a-lawyer.html\">complex legal scenarios<\/a>, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/what-does-title-mean.html\">title disputes<\/a> or property complications in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate.html\">probate<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you need the above services, consider hiring a real estate lawyer. Unlike a housing counselor, a lawyer has the credentials to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-lawyers-do.html\">fulfill these duties<\/a>. While lawyers generally charge <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements.html\">attorney&#8217;s fees<\/a>, some law firms are willing to negotiate a payment plan or reduced costs for clients experiencing financial hardship. You may also check whether you qualify for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/do-you-qualify-for-free-legal-aid.html\">free legal aid<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind that a housing counselor also has other limitations, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>They can&#8217;t give or lend you money.<\/li>\n<li>They can&#8217;t force a bank or lender to agree to a repayment plan or forgive debt.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>They don&#8217;t control the prices of rent or property.<\/li>\n<li>They can&#8217;t <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/foreclosure-tax-relief.html\">waive tax liabilities or debts<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The role of a housing counselor is to answer your questions and explain the options so you can decide how you want to proceed. If you only need education and one-on-one guidance, a housing counselor can be a helpful resource.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>What To Expect While Working With a Counselor<\/h2>\n<p>You might have questions about the counseling process. If you&#8217;re looking for a counselor to help you avoid foreclosure in the first place, you&#8217;re already ahead of many others. In most situations, borrowers seek counseling specifically because they are already facing foreclosure. But don&#8217;t be discouraged. A good housing counseling program can help you develop an action plan to get back on track with managing your debt.<\/p>\n<p>A counselor will ask you for information about your:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/types-of-lenders.html\">Mortgage lender<\/a> (bank, servicing company, or other loan institution)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance.html\">Credit report<\/a> (info about the different debts you have)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/credit-score-information-how-to-manage-your-credit-score.html\">Credit score<\/a> (where your score stands and how you can improve it)<\/li>\n<li>Income and expenses<\/li>\n<li>Short-term and long-term financial goals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It&#8217;s helpful to go to your counseling appointment with all this information in hand. A counselor can help you balance your budget by prioritizing your expenses. They might review different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/credit-cards.html\">credit card bills<\/a> to determine which one has the highest balance and interest. Prioritizing different payments can help you manage your expenses responsibly.<\/p>\n<h2>How To Find a Housing Counselor<\/h2>\n<p>It&#8217;s important to know who to contact. You have to check a credit counselor&#8217;s certifications and prioritize legitimate businesses.<\/p>\n<p>Scam artists follow the headlines, and they know there are homeowners falling behind in their mortgage payments or at risk for foreclosure. While their pitches may sound like a way for you to get out from under, their intentions are as far away from honorable as they can be. They mean to take your money. Check out\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/protect-your-home-from-foreclosure-rescue-scam-artists.html\">our article on avoiding foreclosure scam artists<\/a>\u00a0for tips on avoiding red flags.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure\/how-to-get-government-help-to-stop-a-foreclosure.html\">Government resources<\/a> provide some of the most reliable ways to get in touch with housing counselors. Call the local office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.hud.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.hud.gov<\/a>) or the housing authority in your state, city, or county for help in finding a legitimate housing counseling agency nearby.<\/p>\n<p>You can also consider contacting the NeighborWorks Center for Foreclosure Solutions at 888-995-HOPE or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nw.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.nw.org<\/a>. The Center is an initiative of NeighborWorks America.<\/p>\n<h2>Contact a Lawyer<\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;re not sure if a counselor is right for you, other options are available. A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/foreclosure-alternatives\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">real estate foreclosure lawyer<\/a>\u00a0can provide you with valuable foreclosure advice. They might also be able to help you obtain foreclosure counseling from a reliable source.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\" data-testid=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n                data-testid=\"was-this-helpful-question\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n                data-testid=\"was-this-helpful-yes-button\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" 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was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                                data-testid=\"was-this-helpful-negative-feedback-input-dated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                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secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                    data-testid=\"was-this-helpful-submit-button\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                    data-testid=\"was-this-helpful-cancel-button\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\" data-testid=\"was-this-helpful-thank-you-icon\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-testid=\"was-this-helpful-thank-you-text\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Many real estate processes can be handled on your own or with the help of a realtor\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex real estate issues (such as construction defects or illegal landlord actions) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or mortgage loan issues can benefit from legal expertise. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/foreclosure-alternatives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foreclosure and Alternatives Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/housing-construction-defects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Housing and Construction Defects Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Landlord and Tenant Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/land-use-zoning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Land Use and  Zoning Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Real Estate Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/eminent-domain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eminent Domain Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/construction-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Construction Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You don&#8217;t have to face housing issues and the foreclosure prevention process alone. Findlaw explains how a housing counseling agency can provide help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":369116,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","_cf_multicollab_revision_bundle":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","External Links","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned"]},"categories":[2741],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-369131","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-realestate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369131","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369131"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369131\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":413963,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369131\/revisions\/413963"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369131"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369131"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369131"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=369131"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=369131"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}