Facing Foreclosure?

You Have More Options Than You Think.

How IN Affordable Housing Guides Arkansas Homeowners Through the Process

If you’ve missed a mortgage payment—or several—you already know the knot in your stomach that comes with it. The calls from your lender. The letters piling up. The fear that you’re about to lose everything.

You’re not alone. Nationally, foreclosure filings rose 32% year-over-year in January 2026, with over 40,000 properties receiving default notices, auction schedules, or bank repossessions in a single month (ATTOM Data Solutions, January 2026). In Arkansas, the process can move fast—nonjudicial foreclosures can wrap up in as few as 70 days.

But here’s what you need to hear: foreclosure is a process, not a deadline. And at every step of that process, you have choices. That’s where we come in.

What IAH Does—and Doesn’t Do

Let’s be direct: IAH does not pay past-due mortgages. We don’t write checks to your lender, and no legitimate housing counseling agency will ask you to pay them to do so.

What we provide is free, expert guidance from HUD-certified housing counselors who help you understand your situation, know your rights under Arkansas and federal law, and take action before it’s too late.

How Our Counselors Help

Assess where you stand. We’ll review your income, expenses, and mortgage details to give you a clear, honest picture of your financial situation—no sugarcoating.

Explain your options. Many homeowners don’t realize what’s available to them. Depending on your circumstances, options may include loan modification, forbearance agreements, repayment plans, refinancing, state or federal assistance programs, or—if keeping the home isn’t realistic—graceful exit strategies like a short sale or deed-in-lieu that protect your credit.

Help you talk to your lender. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is avoiding their lender out of fear. Most lenders would rather negotiate than foreclose. We’ll help you prepare for that conversation and, when possible, advocate on your behalf for loss mitigation options.

Build a plan. Every situation is different. We’ll create a personalized action plan and provide budget and credit counseling to help you stabilize—whether you stay in your home or transition to new housing.

Know Your Rights as an Arkansas Homeowner

Arkansas law and federal regulations give you important protections. Understanding them can buy you time and leverage:

• Your lender generally cannot begin foreclosure until you are more than 120 days past due on payments (12 C.F.R. § 1024.41).

• Before starting a nonjudicial foreclosure, your lender must mail you a notice that includes loan modification and forbearance options, a copy of your loan documents, and a payment history (Ark. Code § 18-50-103).

• The foreclosure sale cannot occur until at least 60 days after the notice of default is recorded (Ark. Code § 18-50-104).

• You have the right to reinstate your loan—by paying all missed amounts and fees—at any time before the sale (Ark. Code § 18-50-114).

• Arkansas does not offer a redemption period after a nonjudicial foreclosure sale—which makes acting early critical.

• A housing counselor can help you understand how these protections apply to your specific case.

Three Myths That Keep People Stuck

“It’s too late once I get a notice.” It’s not. A notice of default starts a timeline, but it’s not the end of one. You still have options—but they narrow the longer you wait.

“My lender won’t work with me.” Foreclosure is expensive for lenders too. Most prefer a solution. A counselor can help you approach that conversation prepared.

“Someone will just pay my mortgage.” While limited emergency assistance programs exist, real foreclosure prevention comes from restructuring your loan, negotiating with your lender, and managing your budget. IAH equips you with the knowledge and support to do exactly that.

Take the First Step

If you’re behind on payments—or worried you’re heading there—don’t let fear make the decision for you. Pick up the phone. The earlier you reach out, the more options you’ll have.

Ready to Talk? We’re Here.

Call us: (501) 221-3033

Email: info@inaffordablehousingar.org

Free. Confidential. No judgment.

Sources

ATTOM Data Solutions, “U.S. Foreclosure Market Report,” January 2026. attomdata.com

Arkansas Code §§ 18-50-101 through 18-50-116 (2025).

12 C.F.R. § 1024.41 – Federal Loss Mitigation Procedures (2025).

Legal Aid of Arkansas, “Foreclosure,” arlawhelp.org.

IN Affordable Housing is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Our services are free and confidential. IAH does not provide direct financial assistance or pay past-due mortgage balances. We provide education, counseling, and guidance to help homeowners make informed decisions. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.