Beware of Mortgage Relief Scams!

With the rise of foreclosures, sellers are facing a rise in mortgage relief scams.  Sellers should be very cautious in proceeding with mortgage relief. 

The Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule makes it illegal for companies to collect any fees until a homeowner has actually received an offer of relief from his or her lender and accepted it. That means even if you agree to have a company help you, you don't have to pay until it gets you the result you want.

The Federal Trade Commission has a myriad of help for homeowners who are facing foreclosure here. I have worked in real estate since 1992, and I've seen a lot of mortgage lenders come and go.  Thankfully, those who are not ethical generally do not last long.  Unfortunately, for those they affect while they are in business, they can really make selling your property a hassle.  I can direct you to local, ethical lenders and attorneys that can help you through the difficult process of foreclosure. 

According to the FTC, you can save yourself money and more heartache by avoiding any business that:

• guarantees to stop the foreclosure process – no matter what your circumstances
• advises you not to contact your lender, lawyer, or credit or housing counselor
• collects a fee before providing any services
• accepts payment only by cashier’s check or wire transfer
• encourages you to lease your home so you can buy it back over time
• tells you to make your mortgage payments directly to it, rather than to your lender
• advises you to transfer your property deed or title to it
• offers to buy your house for cash at a fixed price that is not set by the housing market at the time of sale
• offers to fill out paperwork for you
• pressures you to sign papers you haven’t had a chance to read thoroughly or that you don’t understand.

Don't fall prey to mortgage relief scams!  Arm yourself with information and ethical advice early in the process - preferrably before you have fallen behind in your payments.  Be proactive in the process.  You can minimize the damage, and perhaps even save your home if you take key steps early on.  Let me help you by directing you to people who can help - not who will prey on your situation.