Facing Foreclosure? There Is Help, But Don't Be Scammed!

Troubled Homeowners Beware! Scam artists are attempting to make money off of borrowers interested in taking advantage of President Barack Obama’s foreclosure-prevention plan.

These firms are charging fees for what they tell borrowers will be quick and effective negotiations with banks. In most cases, the firms take the home owners’ money – often more than $1,000 – and do nothing.

The Federal Reserve recently issued this advice for people seeking to modify their mortgages:

• Work only with HUD-approved nonprofit counselors.
• Don't agree to pay a fee before you are provided with the promised service.
• Beware of people offering "guaranteed" results.
• Don't sign blank forms or documents you haven't read.

Link: HUD-Approved Foreclosure Avoidance Counselors In Georgia

2008 Homeownership Summit - Atlanta

The 2008 Homeownership Summit is scheduled for Saturday, June 28 from 9AM to 3PM. This event is FREE to all attendees.

It is a program being put on in partnership between HUD, FHA, PEMCO, DeKalb & Fulton County Governments, Atlanta Development Authority, Georgia DCA, City of Atlanta Bureau of Housing, and many other Non Profits & Housing Professionals

Attendees will become familiar with options and resources available to assist them in purchasing and sustaining a home. Most importantly, if attendees participate in all sessions, they will receive a certificate to be used when obtaining Down Payment Assistance from Government Agencies.

Each education break-out session only lasts 45 minutes and rotate for 5 hours.

Here are the topics of each session:

PURCHASING A HOME

• Basic Financial Education, Get the Facts: “Pros and Cons of Homeownership”
• Identifying the Industry Professionals – Realtors, Inspectors, Appraisers, Attorneys etc. “Understand Your Home buying Team”
• Credit & Budgeting, “How to Improve Your Credit Score”
• Qualifying for Your Mortgage/Down Payment Assistance – “How Much House Can I Afford”
• Mortgage Products and The Process: Fixed Products vs. ARMs; 15, 20 or 30 year Financing; Avoiding Predatory Lenders – “Why Borrow Trouble”
  

SUSTAINING YOUR HOME

• Post Purchase Concerns: “Maintaining Your Home & Managing Your Finances”
• Mortgage Default Counseling & Loss Mitigation Options – “Ways to Avoid Foreclosure”
• Refinancing & FHA Secure Loan Restructuring – “How to Get a Better Rate”
• Consumer Protection Rights & Awareness – “Beware of Rips Offs and Scams”
• Legal Aid & Assistance – “How to Seek Legal Advice”
  

For more information, contact me today.