Counseling for Homeowners Frequently Asked Questions - NYC Housing Program

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Homeowner Services

Warranty

Acquisition

Elevation Certificate

Flood Insurance

Tenant Resources

Temporary Housing Services

Counseling

Forms

Info Sheets

FAQs

NYC Build It Back Online Portal


Counseling For Homeowners FAQ

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What is the NYC Build It Back Counseling Program? What types of issues are eligible for counseling?

BIB offers counseling referrals to eligible applicants who may need additional assistance moving their application along in the Build It Back Program. Applicants in need of services outside of the scope of the BIB program may be provided with a referral list of other City and nonprofit support services. The Build It Back Counseling Program may be able to provide support for the following issues related to a person's application:

Delinquent Mortgage and Foreclosure – Applicant is having trouble remaining current on a mortgage, is struggling with a mortgage forbearance plan, or has entered into foreclosure proceedings

Title Issues – Applicant is unable to obtain proof of ownership of their property e.g. divorce-related ownership issues, obtaining title to property, estates, etc.

Replacing lost or difficult to obtain documentation – e.g. proof of identity, proof of citizenship, proof of income, a mortgage statement or other key documents

Documentation of income – Applicant has trouble obtaining verification of income documentation, e.g. self-employed applicants or applicants who did not file taxes in past year

Insurance Issues – Applicant is having difficulty with their mortgage servicer who refuses to release insurance proceeds for home repairs, or experiencing a delay in receiving repair or other funds from an insurance company (Counselors will NOT provide representation in litigation)

Landlord Issues – Applicants who are experiencing problems obtaining rental income from a rental unit in their home

SBA Loan Issues – Applicant is having difficulty making payments on their SBA Loans

Denial of FEMA benefits based on a significant misunderstanding, e.g. applicant owns property but FEMA believes the opposite and has denied benefits

Victim of illegal practices – Applicant has been a victim of scam, fraud, price gouging, or unfair lending with regard to their Hurricane Sandy-impacted property

Program Option Selection – Counseling is available to offer analysis, advice, and assistance on the financial implications of the BIB Program Options available to an applicant

When can I be referred to the Build It Back Counseling Program?

You can be referred to counseling during your application process for Build It Back. You may request it or it may be offered to you when speaking with a Housing Recovery Specialist at a Build It Back Center. One of our Customer Service Representatives may suggest this to you over the phone as well.

What should I expect when I am referred to Counseling?

Legal and housing financial counselors will be able to provide advice and assistance, but will not represent applicants in litigation. When you agree to be referred to counseling, you will be asked you to sign a Waiver of Liability with the City of New York. Your information will then be passed along to our NYC Build It Back Counseling Partners who will contact you to further assess your needs and may ask you additional questions related to your specific situation.

What will happen to my application if I am behind on my mortgage?

Although a delinquent mortgage will not immediately impact the ability of your application to move forward in the Build It Back process, we recommend that you seek assistance from our Counseling Partners to try to bring your mortgage current.

Should your home enter into foreclosure (i.e. your lender has filed a foreclosure Summons and Complaint against you) during your time with the Build It Back program, your application will not be processed for the Repair or Rebuild Program options until you reach a sustainable solution with your servicer. See question below.

If I am in foreclosure, can I still continue in the NYC Build It Back Program?

Should your home enter into foreclosure (i.e. your lender has filed a foreclosure Summons and Complaint against you) during your time with the Build It Back program, your application will not be processed for the Repair or Rebuild Program options until you reach a sustainable solution with your servicer. The City of New York intends to invest in neighborhoods and provide housing solutions for applicants who have been impacted by Sandy. If an applicant is in foreclosure, they will be referred to counseling and will not advance through the application process for the Repair or Rebuild Program options unless the foreclosure is resolved.

The City will be verifying whether a Summons and Complaint has been filed against properties under the Build It Back Program. In order to move forward in the program, an applicant will be required to enter into the Build It Back Counseling Program and obtain a solution with the servicer. The Build It Back Counseling Partners can help you through this process by working with you and your mortgage servicer.

What if I am already working with a non-profit agency on a mortgage issue?

You may continue to work with your provider on your mortgage issue. In cases where a Build It Back Counseling Partner is needed to help move a case along in the program, e.g. your property is in foreclosure, they will be able to coordinate your case with your other assistance provider(s).

Who are the Build It Back Counseling Partners?

The Build It Back Counseling Partners are non-profit organizations with trained housing financial and legal counselors who have a range of experience working in your community.

These housing financial counselors can help customers address housing and mortgage-related issues that may impede their ability to proceed through the program (foreclosure, mortgage delinquency, mortgage forbearance, etc.). They will also help customers understand the complex financial implications of their Build It Back Program Options. Housing counselors have experience and expertise in mortgage finance and foreclosure prevention, including helping homeowners with hardships apply for lower payments with their mortgage company.

Legal counselors will advise customers on the laws governing their individual situations, and help them resolve mortgage, insurance, title and ownership issues, and other legal obstacles. Legal counselors under the program will advise and assist only, and will not represent the customer in litigation.

Lawyers providing assistance under the program have experience with foreclosure prevention, mortgage and real property issues, insurance, family law issues as they relate to the home, and addressing consumer fraud.