Mortgage calls can be intrusive and stressful. They often come at the most inconvenient times, and sometimes they seem to never stop. Whether it’s your mortgage lender, a debt collection agency, or another third party, these calls can be overwhelming. In this guide, I will walk you through how to stop mortgage calls for good. I will also explore the reasons these calls happen, provide real-life examples and practical steps you can take, and offer insight into the broader issues at play. Let’s get started.
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Why Do Mortgage Calls Happen?
Mortgage calls are typically triggered when your lender is trying to contact you regarding your home loan. These calls can range from general reminders about payments to more serious notices about late payments or missed dues. But why do they keep happening, and how can you stop them? To understand this, we must first break down the different types of calls.
1. Late Payment Reminders
If you’ve missed a mortgage payment or paid late, you might start receiving calls from your mortgage servicer. Lenders have a financial incentive to collect payments promptly, so they may start with friendly reminders and gradually become more aggressive.
2. Debt Collection Agencies
If your mortgage loan falls into serious delinquency, the lender may hand it over to a third-party collection agency. These agencies specialize in recovering debts, and their calls can be more persistent and harassing.
3. Refinance or Loan Modification Offers
Some calls are made by your lender or another party offering refinance or loan modification options. While these calls may seem helpful, they can be unwanted, especially if you’re not interested in exploring your mortgage options.
4. Telemarketing Calls
In some cases, third-party telemarketers might call to offer refinancing deals, insurance, or other products related to your mortgage. These calls may not be directly related to your lender, but they can still be invasive and annoying.
Understanding the root cause of these calls will help you take targeted action to stop them.
Step 1: Review Your Mortgage Terms
Before taking steps to stop mortgage calls, I recommend reviewing your mortgage agreement to fully understand your obligations. Sometimes, issues arise due to confusion about due dates, penalties, or payment schedules.
Example:
Imagine you missed a payment on your mortgage because you misunderstood the payment due date. This misunderstanding could lead to calls from your lender’s collections department. If you know exactly what’s expected of you, it’s easier to avoid missed payments and subsequent calls.
Once you’re confident in your understanding of the mortgage terms, you can address any potential issues with your lender directly, rather than relying on calls to explain what’s going on.
Step 2: Contact Your Lender
If the calls are due to missed payments or a misunderstanding, contact your lender as soon as possible. Most mortgage companies have dedicated customer service lines that can help you address your situation. Be proactive, and don’t wait for the calls to escalate. If you’re facing financial difficulty, some lenders offer forbearance programs or loan modifications that may help reduce the payment burden.
Example:
Let’s say you’ve been struggling with temporary financial hardship, like a job loss. Contacting your lender could help you negotiate a payment plan or discuss options for deferring payments. This might prevent future collection calls and give you the time needed to get back on track.
Step 3: Use the National Do Not Call Registry
If your mortgage-related calls come from third-party telemarketers, the National Do Not Call Registry may be an effective tool. By registering your phone number on this list, you can significantly reduce unwanted telemarketing calls.
To register, visit the National Do Not Call Registry website and follow the instructions. Once your number is on the list, telemarketers are legally required to stop calling you, though it can take up to 31 days for the calls to cease.
However, keep in mind that the registry won’t stop calls from your mortgage lender or debt collectors, as they are typically exempt from these rules.
Step 4: Request Written Communication Only
If you find the calls too invasive, you have the right to request that your mortgage servicer communicate with you only through written correspondence. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), if you ask for this, the lender or debt collector is legally required to honor the request.
Here’s how you can do this:
- Contact your mortgage servicer or collection agency and state your preference for written communication only.
- Make sure to send the request in writing and keep a copy for your records.
- If they continue to call, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Step 5: Investigate and Block Calls
If your mortgage servicer or a debt collection agency continues to call after you’ve requested written communication or addressed the underlying issues, it might be time to block the numbers. Many smartphones have built-in features to block specific phone numbers. If your provider doesn’t offer this feature, you can download third-party apps that allow you to filter or block unwanted calls.
Here are a few useful apps:
- Truecaller – Identifies and blocks spam calls.
- Nomorobo – Blocks robocalls and telemarketing calls.
- Hiya – Provides automatic spam call blocking and caller ID services.
These tools can provide additional peace of mind, especially if you’re receiving multiple calls per day.
Step 6: Seek Legal Help If Necessary
In some cases, mortgage calls may become aggressive or even violate the law. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are prohibited from using certain tactics, such as calling at odd hours or repeatedly harassing you. If you believe a debt collector is violating your rights, you can report them to the CFPB or consult an attorney specializing in consumer law.
For example, if you’re receiving calls at night or have been threatened with legal action despite not owing money, you may have grounds to file a complaint.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Mortgage and Your Peace of Mind
Dealing with mortgage calls doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. By understanding why these calls happen and taking proactive steps to address the underlying issues, you can stop them for good. Start by reviewing your mortgage agreement and contacting your lender. Utilize resources like the National Do Not Call Registry and legal protections if needed. And don’t forget to block numbers and use technology to help keep your phone clear of unwanted calls.
It’s important to remember that your mortgage lender wants to work with you to avoid any payment issues, and there are often multiple solutions available to help reduce or eliminate calls. By taking control of your situation, you’ll regain the peace of mind you deserve.
