Since Hurricane Harvey touched down in Texas on Friday, catastrophic flooding and wind speeds have overwhelmed the state’s southeastern residents. With over 30 inches of rainfall and repeated flash flood warnings, thousands of homes have sustained a devastating amount of damage. Even if your home has been damaged, however, it’s important to keep up with your monthly payments. In fact, there are several imperative actions to take after any natural disaster, including the latest hurricane. Check out our list of tips and tricks of what to do if your home was affected by Hurricane Harvey and its subsequent floods.

1. Get in touch with your mortgage lender: Although your home may have been damaged in the storm, you cannot press pause on paying your mortgage. Any late payment during this time will not only affect your credit score, but also result in a late fee.
2. Continue paying your bills: Like your mortgage payments, monthly bills must continue to be paid on time. If you do not think you will make a payment before its due date, make sure to call the service to which you owe money and explain your situation. This call must be made BEFORE the payment is due.
3. Suspend your utility services: Even if your home was damaged by Hurricane Harvey, your utility services will continue. In other words, you will continue to be billed for the time in which you are evacuated. In order to save and budget your money during this time, call and suspend your services.
4. Get a copy of your insurance policy: If the copy of your insurance policy was lost in the storm or flooding, request an additional copy. This will allow you to verify your home’s coverage, understand your deductible, and file a claim with your insurance provider. In addition, you should document everything exactly how your insurance company has outlined prior to filing the claim. Since your property acts as collateral for your loan, make sure to also provide your lender with the information from your claim.
5. Stay up-to-date on President Trump’s disaster declaration for Hurricane Harvey: According to President Trump, “assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.” To remain updated on the area’s relief programs, continue checking with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Overall, communication is vital during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. For more information about what could happen with your mortgage throughout the state’s recovery, contact one of our mortgage specialists today.