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:
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.
