On Saturday morning over 500 people attended Gus's Foreclosure Assistance Workshop in Palm Harbor. Gus brought together leaders in home finance to aid families and individuals in navigating these uncertain times. The event provided an opportunity for families to meet with their lenders one on one to discuss their options.
The workshop also featured presentations which included guidance on how to work with lenders and housing counselors as well as refinancing and loan modification options and information about HUD's loss mitigation program for FHA mortgages.
Palm Harbor, Florida - Peter Kostagiannes, like so many other homeowners in the Bay area, is facing foreclosure.
"My mortgage started at $1,900 six years ago. Now, it's at $3,000," he said.
He was injured in a car accident two years ago and was unable to work for a short time. When he finally got back into the workforce, the only work he could find was part time.
Despite his efforts to save his home on his own, he realized he needed help.
He was one of hundreds of homeowners who met face to face with their lenders during a foreclosure assistance workshop in Palm Harbor, hosted by Congressman Gus Billirakis.
"Freddie Mac has been here. Freddie Mae has been here," said the Congressman Saturday morning.
The event was not only a chance for homeowners to meet with their lenders one on one, but it also allowed them to meet with non-profit groups and credit counselors to help them get back on track and keep them in their homes.
"I have a first and last name instead of just a first name," said Kostagiannes, who appreciated the one on one attention.
It's the reason Congressman Bilirakis says he hosted the event, after hearing from far too many homeowners about not being able to get through to their lenders.
If you missed out, he says, it's not too late to get help.
"If the banks don't follow through, I want them to contact my office, so we can be the conduit to get the problem taken care of," said the Republican congressman.
If you have concerns, you can call his office at (727) 773-2871 or click here to learn more about programs available to you right now.
Kostagiannes isn't sure if the steps he took this weekend will save his home, but he's hoping.
