Facing Foreclosure?

If you are currently behind or are at risk of falling behind on your mortgage payments, know that there are resources available that may help you save your home.  Congress is finally making headway on passing mortgage legislation, but the links below may meet your needs more immediately.  Do not delay in seeking help: the earlier you act, the more likely you will be to save your home.
 
Mortgage servicers are becoming increasingly likely to engage in loan workouts, as they understand it is in everyone's best interest to keep you in your home. To this end, nine mortgage servicers signed a compact with Governor Strickland, agreeing to engage in loan workouts with their customers. 

When you contact these sources, it is best to have information about your loan, including your mortgage servicer and account number.  This information can be found on your billing statement.  For additional information on useful documents, go to Ohio Save the Dream's webpage titled Contact Your Mortgage Servicer.

• Ohio Save the Dream is the state's program to help homeowners who are facing foreclosure or who are at risk of falling behind in their payments.  Its website offers expert information on: counseling options, preparing for contact with your mortgage servicer, avoiding foreclosure prevention scams, and other information pertinent to helping you stay in your home.  Visit their website or call toll free: 888-404-4674.

• The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) has a refinancing program called the Opportunity Loan Refinance Program for homeowners who are having trouble meeting the current provisions of their loan terms.  Homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages, interest-only loans, high interest rate loans or otherwise unfavorable terms may qualify for this refinancing program.  Those who qualify will be able to refinance their homes into a 30-year fixed rate loan.  Call toll free: 888-362-6432

• The HOPE NOW Alliance provides credit, debt management, and foreclosure counseling for homeowners in distress.  HUD-certified counselors help homeowners make contact with their servicers in an effort to develop loan workouts, including loan modifications or loan repayment programs.  To date, they have helped over one million people secure loan workouts, including more than a quarter of a million loan modifications resulting in lower payments.  Call toll free: 888-995-HOPE.

• Northwest Ohio Development Agency provides counseling and refinancing help to homeowners who are having trouble keeping up with their mortgage payments.  NODA also works with borrowers to reach out to their servicers in order to structure loan workouts.  Call: 419-243-3734.

• Neighborhood Housing Services of Toledo provides counseling services as well as a limited budget for short-term loans to homeowners who have gotten behind on their mortgage payments but who otherwise have the ability to pay on time.  An example of an eligible homeowner might be someone who experienced a period of unemployment or who fell ill, but with catch-up assistance would be able to resume timely payments. Call: 419-691-2900.

For information on additional resources, contact the Ohio Treasurer of State, which provides information on resources by county.
 
Don't delay in contacting one of the above sources today!  Remember, the sooner you act, the more likely you will be to save your home.

Still need help? Contact my office at (419) 259-7500 or (800)964-4699.