Notice of Default and Election to Sell - Intent To Foreclose

A number of states have enacted measures to facilitate greater communication between borrowers and lenders by requiring mortgage servicers to provide certain notices to defaulted borrowers prior to commencing a foreclosure action. The measures serve a dual purpose, providing more meaningful notice to borrowers of the status of their loans and slowing down the rate of foreclosures within these states. For instance, one state now requires a mortgagee to mail a homeowner a notice of intent to foreclose at least 45 days before initiating a foreclosure action on a loan. The notice must be in writing, and must detail all amounts that are past due and any itemized charges that must be paid to bring the loan current, inform the homeowner that he or she may have options as an alternative to foreclosure, and provide contact information of the servicer, HUD-approved foreclosure counseling agencies, and the state Office of Commissioner of Banks.