As of the time I’m writing this newsletter, the unemployment rate is over 20%, and more than 26.5 million people have lost their jobs. Those statistics are terrible, and watching the news these last few months makes me feel like I’m living through the financial crisis of 2008 all over again.

Maybe you are too. Just like back then, families across California are struggling with financial constraints and worrying about whether they’ll be able to pay their mortgages. Many are even facing foreclosure.

Things look dark right now, but we’re actually in a better place than we were in 2008. That’s because we can use what we learned back then to help us now. In 2008, I’d just decided to focus my practice on real estate and foreclosure law. Now, I’ve been doing foreclosure litigation for more than 10 years. As far as I know, no one in the state has been doing it longer. I have a decade of knowledge and experience under my belt, and I’m thankful for that right now because I’m using every bit of it to help my clients.

That starts with sharing information because I believe that knowledge is power. If I could only tell you two things to help you weather COVID-19, these would be it.

  1. Don’t ignore your situation. There is absolutely no shame in struggling right now. If you’re not sure when your next paycheck will come or whether you’ll be able to pay your bills, you’re not alone. More than 26 million people are right there with you, so don’t be afraid to speak out and ask for help. The worst thing you can do if you’re facing bankruptcy or foreclosure is pretend everything is fine. When you bury your head in the sand, things will keep getting worse instead of better! Instead, reach out to an attorney like me who can help you identify your options and move in the right direction. The more proactive you are, the better chance we have of coming up with short- and long-term solutions. You’ll be able to get some breathing room and keep your property.
  2. Don’t believe everything you hear. Instead, get the right information from the right sources. There is a lot of misinformation out there right now, some of it purposeful and some accidental. The coronavirus has brought scammers out of the woodwork who are attempting to hijack relief checks and steal Small Business Administration loans, and state policies on foreclosure are changing so rapidly that even reputable. Now, more than ever, it’s vital you get the most accurate, current information, and that means turning to the experts who are on the ground dealing with these issues every day. When it comes to foreclosure, that’s me.

To make that second step easier, my staff and I have been working around the clock to put together a host of resources for you packed with the latest information on COVID-19 and how it’s impacting California homeowners. On my website, EstavilloLaw.com, you’ll find links to the latest foreclosure news and my YouTube channel. There, I’ve published a series of videos explaining foreclosure jargon and diving into important subjects like forbearance agreements and the difference between judicial and nonjudicial foreclosures. These resources are a great first step, but if you have more questions, you can also sign up on my website for a free consultation.

If you’re struggling right now, I hope you’ll be proactive and reach out. Personally, I’ve been very lucky —my wife, my daughters, and I are all healthy, and I’m blessed to still be able to work. The least I can do is pay that forward and help you help yourself.