General education. Verify dates with your servicer, court, or attorney.

Prepare before you dial

Make the mortgage-servicer call more useful.

You do not need perfect language. You need a concise hardship explanation, a clear request, and a record of what was said.

A man prepares a checklist and notebook before calling his mortgage servicer.

Opening script

  • “I am having trouble making my mortgage payment and want to understand every loss-mitigation option available for my loan.”
  • “Please tell me the current status of the loan and whether any foreclosure sale is scheduled.”
  • “What do you need for a complete application, and how will I know it is complete?”

Record the call

  • Date, time, department, representative, and reference number.
  • Exact documents requested and the delivery method.
  • Every stated deadline, decision date, and follow-up date.
  • What was promised about foreclosure activity. Ask for written confirmation.

Before hanging up

  • Repeat your understanding back to the representative.
  • Ask for the mailing address, upload route, and fax number if applicable.
  • Ask when to call again and what to do if the documents are not acknowledged.