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Having a problem paying your mortgage? Don't get scammed

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 10491201242

Hardly a day goes by and we don't hear of another program to assist homeowners who might be facing foreclosure.  There is so much information out there, that it can be overwhelming or difficult trying to figure out what's real and what is a scam.

In New York , the Attorney Generals office does provide many useful guides for consumers; one such brochure is How to avoid foreclosure and  rescue scams.  By following the tips listed in this brochure you might be able to ward off foreclosure by acting quickly or at least avoid the scams.

Here are a few of the tips:

  • Having problem making your payment contact your lender
  • Always pay your lender directly don't give someone else the money to make the payment.
  • Always understand any documents you have to sign.
  • For counseling contact www.hud.gov  or call 1-800-569-4287 
  • If you were scammed call 1-800-771-7755 or visit www.oag.state.ny.us

The reality is that almost every community has been affected by foreclosure.  Hard to believe this word is now a household terms.  If you know someone who might be facing such a crisis just remind them that there could be help available.

 

 Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com  

 

 

Comments(12)

Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Great advice...so many are getting ripped off and these wolves are out to pounce on these people.

Oct 18, 2009 04:23 PM
Lynda Eisenmann
Preferred Home Brokers - Brea, CA
Broker Associate ,CRS,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA, Orange Co

Hi Jennifer,

Good info for anyone who's in trouble with their lender. Hopefully the lender will even speak with them...yet if they don't, my guess is that it would be helpful to have the time and dates of contact (attempted or otherwise) logged into a record. You never know how that might help in the future.

Btwl, I thought of you last week when I was visiting spectacular gardens, knowing how much you love those yourself.

Oct 18, 2009 04:24 PM
Lynda Eisenmann
Preferred Home Brokers - Brea, CA
Broker Associate ,CRS,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA, Orange Co

Hi again,

Forgot to mention, but in CA we finally have a new law against UP FRONT FEES for mortgage negotiating, too many home owners paid too much and were TOTALLY ripped off in the recent past.

Oct 18, 2009 04:25 PM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

There is much to look out for.  Schemers are on the increase, so we have to become increasingly aware.  Good warning alert Jennifer.

Oct 18, 2009 04:35 PM
Jennifer Fivelsdal
JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY
Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Sally it is unfortunate that many are preying on the very vulnerable.

Lynda - Great idea.  It is good to know there are resources out there; the problem is the people needing the help often feel so helpless thus failing to get the needed help.

Lynda I sure hope you are going to share some of the pictures.

That is great step.  Many thought their mortgages were being modified only to find out they were being scammed.

Diane These schemes are on the rise so we need to help consumers understand that caution is necessary

Oct 18, 2009 04:51 PM
Laurie Mindnich
Centennial, CO

Jennifer, it's so sad that the vultures are out there, and they make it sound so easy to "fix" the problems. Directly to the lender- great advice that will save many the heartache of additional lo$$es.

Oct 18, 2009 09:59 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Good advice. Many times when people are overwhelmed is the very time they fall for unscrupulous shysters!

Oct 18, 2009 11:22 PM
Jennifer Fivelsdal
JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY
Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Laurie - What happened to the golden rule?

Gary - So true.

Oct 19, 2009 01:30 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Jennifer, there are a lot of con artist out there.  It is amazing how the wolves come out and don't hesitate to take advantage of those who are already hurting.

Oct 19, 2009 01:39 PM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Amazing how you here about people getting scammed more than people actually being helped. Just a sign of the times!

Oct 21, 2009 12:02 AM
Kim Sellers
Lake Arrowhead, CA Coldwell Banker - Lake Arrowhead, CA
Lake Arrowhead Realtor - BRE#01412099 - Lake Arrow

Yes Jennifer, it is important to know who you are dealing with.  Makes me so mad that there are dishonest people out there.

Oct 21, 2009 08:02 AM
Carol Culkin
Diamond Partners Inc - Overland Park, KS
Overland Park Residential Real Estate

Jennifer - This is good helpful advice and I just had a discussion today with a local attorney today about scam artists who take upfront fees for short sales that may never close.  Your post is a good reminder trust nobody and always get a second opinion from a real estate professional.

Oct 21, 2009 12:27 PM