1 Introduction

This chapter addresses various legal issues and practices involved in preventing the loss of homeownership. Home ownership is one of the most significant ways of building household and generational wealth, and, for low-income homeowners, their home is typically by far their most substantial asset. Therefore, an important aspect of representing such clients is preventing the loss of their homes.

According to the National Consumer Law Center:

Few events are more devastating to a family than the loss of a home to foreclosure. Children may be forced to change schools and leave friends. A family may be distanced from workplaces and social support. The homeowner’s equity is often lost as a result of a foreclosure sale, and it is not unusual for the foreclosed homeowner to find that they are personally liable for a large deficiency. Wages may be threatened to pay the deficiency judgment, further contributing to the family’s financial distress.1

This chapter addresses ways to prevent loss of a home when faced with two similar issues: foreclosure of a mortgage and seizure and sale of a home for delinquent tax payments.

• 1Nat’l Consumer L. Ctr., Home Foreclosures § 5.1 (2d ed. 2023).