If you are facing foreclosure in Hillsborough County, one of the first calls you should make is to a HUD-approved housing counselor. These counselors provide free, neutral guidance — they work for you, not the bank. They can help you understand your options, negotiate with your lender, and navigate the loss mitigation process that most homeowners find overwhelming.
This guide explains what HUD counselors do, which local agencies serve Hillsborough County, how to make an appointment, and how to get the most out of your first session.
What Is a HUD-Approved Housing Counselor?
HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) certifies housing counseling agencies and counselors who meet federal training and quality standards. HUD-approved foreclosure counselors are specifically trained to help homeowners in default or facing foreclosure work through their options.
Unlike for-profit debt relief companies or loan modification mills, HUD-approved counselors cannot charge fees for foreclosure prevention counseling. Their job is to provide an objective review of your situation and help you take action.
HUD-approved counselors are not attorneys and cannot represent you in court. But they can coordinate with your servicer, help you complete a loss mitigation application, and connect you with legal resources when you need representation.
How to Find a HUD Counselor in Hillsborough County
There are two simple ways to find a HUD-approved counselor serving Hillsborough County:
- Call the HUD hotline: (800) 569-4287. This is HUD's free referral line. Tell the representative that you are in Hillsborough County and are facing foreclosure. They will connect you with approved local agencies.
- Search online: Visit hud.gov/counselors and enter your zip code to find approved agencies near you with current contact information and hours.
Local HUD-Approved Agencies Serving Hillsborough County
Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation (Tampa Bay CDC)
Tampa Bay CDC is a HUD-approved nonprofit serving Tampa and Hillsborough County homeowners. They provide free foreclosure prevention counseling, loss mitigation assistance, and can help homeowners navigate loan modification applications. Tampa Bay CDC works with all major servicers and can advocate directly with your lender.
Bay Area Legal Services
Bay Area Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to low-income and moderate-income residents of Hillsborough County and the broader Tampa Bay area. Their housing unit handles foreclosure cases, representing qualifying homeowners in court and in negotiations with lenders. If you need an attorney — not just counseling — Bay Area Legal Services is your primary resource. Visit baylegal.org or call their intake line to determine if you qualify.
NeighborWorks Tampa Bay
NeighborWorks Tampa Bay is a HUD-approved community development organization that offers housing counseling for homeowners throughout Hillsborough County. They can provide guidance on foreclosure prevention, refinancing, and housing stability options.
What a HUD Counselor Can Help You With
At your first appointment, your HUD counselor will conduct a full financial review. Here is what they typically cover:
- Budget review: Monthly income vs. expenses to determine whether you can afford your home with a modified payment.
- Loan analysis: Reviewing your mortgage terms, current balance, interest rate, loan type, and who owns the loan (the servicer and investor may be different entities).
- Loss mitigation options: Explaining reinstatement, forbearance, repayment plans, loan modification, short sale, and deed in lieu — and which apply to your situation.
- Servicer contact:Helping you navigate your servicer's loss mitigation department, which can be notoriously difficult to work with alone.
- Application assistance: Helping you complete and submit a loan modification or hardship application with the required documentation.
- Foreclosure timeline: Explaining where you are in the Florida foreclosure process and what deadlines matter most.
What to Bring to Your First HUD Counseling Appointment
Bring as much documentation as possible to your first session. The more complete your file, the more your counselor can accomplish:
- Most recent mortgage statement (shows current balance, payments past due)
- Last two months of bank statements (checking and savings)
- Last two pay stubs — or last two years of tax returns if self-employed
- Most recent utility bills (to confirm monthly expenses)
- Any letters or notices from your lender or servicer
- Any foreclosure lawsuit documents (summons, complaint, lis pendens)
- Documentation of the hardship (job loss, medical bills, divorce decree, etc.)
- Your loan number and servicer contact information
Warning Signs of Foreclosure Scams
When you are facing foreclosure, you become a target for scammers. Be cautious of any individual or company that:
- Charges upfront fees before providing any service
- Guarantees they can stop your foreclosure or save your home
- Asks you to make mortgage payments directly to them instead of your lender
- Pressures you to sign paperwork quickly without explanation
- Claims to be affiliated with your lender or a government agency
HUD-approved counselors do not charge fees. REALTORS® like Barrett Henry do not charge upfront fees — commissions are paid at closing only.
Working With Barrett Henry Alongside a HUD Counselor
HUD counselors focus on loan modification, forbearance, and servicer negotiation. If a sale — traditional or short sale — becomes the best option, a REALTOR® with foreclosure experience becomes essential. Barrett Henry works alongside HUD counselors and legal aid attorneys to give Hillsborough County homeowners a complete team.
Call (813) 733-7907 for a free consultation on your situation. There is no cost, no obligation, and no judgment.
- HUD Hotline: (800) 569-4287
- Bay Area Legal Services: baylegal.org
- Hillsborough County case search: hillsclerk.com
- Free real estate consultation: Contact Barrett here
Ready to talk to someone? Contact us today or call (813) 733-7907 — we will help you figure out the right next step.
