How to get started

• We can answer questions about your mortgage and explore options based on your individual hardship.
• We can determine if you qualify for third-party assistance, including options to stay in your home or leave your home while avoiding foreclosure.
• You can start the process by submitting an online application for assistance here.

Additional resources

If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible for mortgage assistance from your state’s housing finance agency or another state or local government agency.

For a list of HUD-approved housing counseling agencies that can provide free foreclosure prevention and debt management information, information on state or local government mortgage assistance programs that may be available, as well as translation or other language assistance, contact one of the following federal government agencies.

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at (800) 569-4287 or www.hud.gov/counseling
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at (855) 411-2372 or www.consumerfinance.gov/mortgagehelp

For additional information on how to avoid foreclosure, including help for military servicemembers, you may also visit Fannie Mae’s consumer website www.fanniemae.com. Fannie Mae is the owner of your mortgage loan.

If you’re experiencing a hardship and are unable to submit your application online you can print and fax the application including all the pages to (602) 634-2993. You can expect a written response within five business days. If you have any additional questions, you can contact the Mortgage Assistance Department via email at firstmortgageassistance@desertfinancial.com or by phone at (602) 335-5676.

Short sale

A short sale involves selling your home for less than the total amount that you owe on your property; this method is commonly used in an attempt to avoid foreclosure. In order for a short sale to be successful, you must find a qualified buyer, and your lender must agree to accept the sale.

A short sale may be an option for you if are experiencing all of the following:

• A hardship — such as a job loss, divorce or medical emergency
• Inability to afford your current home loan
• Inability to modify your current home loan

A short sale negatively impacts your credit — although to a lesser degree than does a foreclosure — so you should explore all of your other options first. We recommend contacting a tax professional to become aware of any tax implications.

If you have a signed contract for a short sale that you would like Desert Financial to consider, you can submit the initial online application to start the process or you can also print and fax your application along with the contract and supporting documentation to (602) 634-2993 or email them to firstmortgageassistance@desertfinancial.com.  

Need additional assistance?

If you have already submitted your request for a foreclosure-prevention alternative and are not satisfied with the outcome, your case can be re-evaluated by our escalations team. Contact us via email at firstmortgageassistance@desertfinancial.com or by phone at (602) 335-5676 or (833) 208-1273. Please provide your name, loan number and any new information to be considered. A member of our team will contact you within three business days to confirm receipt of your inquiry and obtain additional information if needed. Your case will be re-evaluated and resolved within 15 business days.

If you aren’t experiencing hardship and would like to lower your interest rate, you may be eligible to refinance your loan. For more information about refinancing your mortgage, apply online or speak with one of our mortgage experts.