Homes

Help for homeowners and home buyers

Saving Your Home

Foreclosure

What to do if you fall behind on your house payments – How to deal with your lender – How to avoid scams and get help.

Renters in a Foreclosure

If you are renting a home that has fallen into foreclosure, new laws give you more time to move out.

Foreclosure Rescue Scams

Thieves prey on those facing a foreclosure. Here are tips on avoiding common scams.

Short Sales

If you cannot make your mortgage payments you might be able to sell the property for less that what you owe. This is called a short sale.

How to Survive the Housing Crisis

Consumer Affairs' one-stop informational resource on foreclosures, loan modifications and new programs to help homeowners.

Buying a Home

Buying a Home

Determining what you can afford – Finding the right home for you and your family – Getting a good home loan – Completing the purchase.

Avoid Predatory Lenders and Get a Good Home Loan

Avoid “predatory lenders” that offer high-interest loans with hidden fees and costs. How to find a good loan and the interest rate you qualify for.

Escrow

Using an escrow company ensures that the seller receives payment for the home and that the buyer gets title to the property.

Co-signing for Someone Else

If you co-sign a contract for a friend or relative, you must pay if they don’t.

Homeowner Notification

This Los Angeles County program gives you a chance to review real estate documents to make sure they are correct.

Home ownership

Hiring a Contractor

10 important things to know and do.

10 Common Homeowner Complaints

10 things every homeowner needs to watch out for.

Homestead Protection

A homestead protects some of the equity in your home. If you live in the home you own, you already have an automatic homestead exemption.

Refinancing Your Home

Things to consider before you refinance – Finding the right lender – Avoiding hidden costs.

Home Equity Line of Credit

A home equity credit line lets you use the equity in your home for personal use. Understanding the benefits and risks.

Reverse Mortgages

Reverse mortgages are for senior citizens who own homes and want monthly income from their home equity.

Bail – Using Your Home as Security for a Bail Bond

If a person on bail does not appear in court, you can lose your house.