Approved To Help Homeowners Out Of Foreclosure

Saving Homes Reviewed & Approved

Saving Homes Foundation, Inc. has been officially reviewed and approved by the State of North Carolina's Office of the Commissioner of Banks (NCCOB) — the state agency that regulates mortgage lending. Normally, any company that makes or services home loans has to get a special license to do that. But because Saving Homes Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps disadvantaged homeowners with things like home ownership and home improvements — rather than running a for-profit lending business — the state grants nonprofits like this a special exemption from that licensing requirement. This exemption isn't automatic, though: the organization had to apply for it, and the state had to check it out and formally approve it, which happened on September 2, 2026. On top of that, the state doesn't just approve it and walk away — NCCOB periodically checks in on approved nonprofits to make sure they're still legitimate and still following the rules. 

In short, this letter is official proof from a state regulator that Saving Homes Foundation is a real, recognized nonprofit operating within the law.

"Is Saving Homes Legit?" — Addressing the Question Directly

It almost seems too good to be true - A non profit that provides free loans to people in need.  So it's a good idea to search things like is "Saving Homes legit" or even "Saving Homes scam" before working with us or any company — and that's a smart instinct. 

When someone asks "is Saving Homes real," the short answer is yes: we're a state-recognized nonprofit with a formal exemption approval from North Carolina's mortgage regulator, not a private company hiding behind a website. If you're looking for Saving Homes reviews or trying to confirm savinghomes.org is legit, we'd rather you verify it independently through the state than just trust our word — see the "How to Verify" section above for exact steps, and check out our Homes Saved page to see the real impact of our work.

To Verify Saving Homes Or Any Other Organization:

Call the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks at (919) 733-3016 and ask for the Mortgage Division, or email [email protected]. Reference the organization's name (Saving Homes Foundation, Inc.) and ask them to confirm the exemption is on file and still active

State of North Carolina
Office of the Commissioner of Banks

Josh Stein, Governor
Katherine M.R. Bosken, Commissioner of Banks

September 2, 2026

Ross Hamilton
Saving Homes Foundation, Inc.

Dear Ross Hamilton,

The Secure and Fair Enforcement Mortgage Licensing Act (NC SAFE Act) provides an exemption from licensure for bona fide nonprofit organizations, contingent upon review and approval of an exemption claim form submitted to the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks (NCCOB).

N.C. Gen. Stat. 53-244.040(d)(12) states, "The following are exempt from all provisions of this Article except G.S. 53-244.111 and, where applicable, may also service residential mortgage loans…Any bona fide nonprofit corporation qualifying under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that makes or services residential mortgage loans to promote home ownership or home improvements for disadvantaged homeowners upon filing of a notice of exemption with the Commissioner as specified in G.S. 53-244.050(g), so long as the corporation is not primarily in the business of soliciting, brokering, making, or servicing residential mortgage loans. Pursuant to 12 C.F.R. § 1008.103(e)(7)(i), mortgage loan originators employed by a bona fide nonprofit corporation are not required to be licensed under this Article…"

N.C. Gen. Stat. 53-244.050(g) requires persons engaged in the mortgage business and exempt from licensure to notify the Commissioner in order to claim and confirm the exemption and to facilitate the referral of consumers that contact the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall prescribe a form for a claim of exemption.

The request by Saving Homes Foundation, Inc. for exemption is approved.

Non-profits should comply with all applicable state and federal mortgage lending laws and regulations, including Chapters 24 and 45 of the North Carolina General Statutes, and N.C. Gen. Stat. 53-244.111.

12 C.F.R. § 1008.103(e)(7)(iii) requires periodic examination of the books and activities of an organization it determines is a bona fide nonprofit organization. NCCOB will periodically assess the company's exemption status. Records should be kept current with NCCOB, upon approval of the exemption.

Any change in address, contact information, 501(c)(3) status, business activities, etc., should be emailed to [email protected].

If you have any questions regarding the exemption application, please send a message to the preceding email address or call 919-733-3016 and ask for the Mortgage Division.

Sincerely,

Annette Deffenbaugh
Director of Mortgage Services