Smead Makes Tax Time Easier
Now that the holidays are over it is time to turn our attention to one of the most challenging organizing events of the year – no, not those new year’s resolutions, I’m talking about...
Making Homes Affordable – Foreclosure Prevention Assistance
Making Homes Affordable – Foreclosure Prevention Assistance
Do you own your own home? Many people are so excited by the purchase of a new home. Or maybe you are someone who has owned your home for a long time. Either way – it is a very satisfying and exciting experience for most people. However, anything can happen at any time, and you could be faced with a decision that you never thought you would be faced with.
June is National Home Ownership Month, but many Americans are still struggling to make their mortgage payments. About 1 in 17 homeowners nationwide have fallen behind on their mortgage payments, putting them at a higher risk of foreclosure.
That is why the Making Home Affordable (MHA) program provides free resources and assistance for distressed homeowners who are working hard at juggling expenses to makes ends meet. There are more options available for struggling homeowners today than ever before, and MHA works to provide them with the mortgage solution that is right for them.
Unfortunately, foreclosure rescue and mortgage modification scams are a growing problem. Scammers will make promises that they can't keep, such as guaranteeing to “save” your home or lower your mortgage payments, usually for a fee, and sometimes even claiming that they have direct contact with your mortgage company.
These scams could cost homeowners thousands of dollars – or even their homes. If you or someone you know needs help with their mortgage, please keep these things in mind:
- Through the federal Making Home Affordable program, many homeowners have received much-needed help to reduce their monthly payments, get mortgage relief, and avoid foreclosure.
- Telephone scammers often request payment by wire transfer services similar to MoneyGram, or completion of paperwork containing your Social Security Number. Do not make any mortgage payments by wire transfer, or provide any personal information, in response to these calls. If you receive unsolicited calls, always check with your mortgage company using the phone number on your mortgage statement, or call 888-995-HOPE™ (4673) to check its legitimacy.
- Beware of telephone calls urging you to take advantage of the Making Home Affordable Program. Beware of anyone seeking to charge you in advance for mortgage modification services. In most cases, charging fees in advance of a mortgage modification is illegal.
- Paying a third party to assist with your application may not improve your likelihood of receiving a mortgage modification. Beware of individuals or companies that ask you for payment, tout their success rate, or claim to be Making Home Affordable (MHA) or Home Affordable Modification (HAMP) experts.
- The Making Home Affordable (MHA) housing counseling experts at 888-995-HOPE™ (4673) are available around-the-clock (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), in over 170 languages, and at no cost. They will help homeowners understand their options and design a plan to suit their individual situation.
Going through the stress of potentially losing your home is hard enough as it is. No one should EVER be faced with going through that alone, but many do feel alone in what they are experiencing. That is why the Making Home Affordable (MHA) program provides free resources and assistance for distressed homeowners who are working hard at juggling expenses to makes ends meet. There are more options available for struggling homeowners today than ever before, and MHA works to provide them with the mortgage solution that is right for them.
Visit MakingHomeAffordable.gov to read about available programs to help with mortgage payments. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is help.
It is awesome there is assistance out there for people who need it. It’s a hard position to be in for a lot of people who are out of work, etc.
This is a very good post. I think it’s important that we all learn how to manage so we don’t go in to foreclosure. My husband and I are just now looking for a home, so I want to make sure it’s something we’ll be able to afford.
We actually went through this and it was terrible! We have now bounced back from it, but it is not an easy feat for sure!
Good info
Oh this is so helpful for so many! The housing market is out of control where we live. Thanks for sharing this useful info!
A lot of helpful info. Thanks!!
This sounds like a great program! It’s so sad that there are so many scams out there that homeowners have to deal with.
With so many people struggling with the economy I know some have had housing problems. It’s great to know there’s some help available.
I had no idea there was so much help available. These are really great services to know about just in case
It definitely gets expensive. It’s great that there are people and groups out there that will help you though.
It’s so scary to know that people are being scammed every day. Even sadder to know that these individuals are looking for help. It’s good to know where to turn for help.
It’s great that there are programs like these. The mortgages that many first time home owners took out in the early 2000s were ridiculous. This program will likely save some of their homes!
That is sad that some companies take advantage of others. I wonder how they sleep with themselves at night!
It’s nice to know that there are services out there helping people who are in tough situations. Great information!
My sister had her house foreclosed on as well as my best friend. It was an awful experience for them.