Knowledge Is Key To Prevent Foreclosure
Over the last several months, there have been many stories in the news media about the record number of foreclosures around the country. On October 11, 2007, the Associated Press reported that foreclosures in September 2007 were double the amount reported in September 2006.
Michigan is one of the five leading states in the country for foreclosures. While discussion of the subprime mortgages have received much attention, the loss of jobs and rising interest rates in general also contribute to this crisis, especially in Michigan.
Eaton County is not immune, the local landscape is dotted with for sale signs, and the local newspapers have added pages to publish the increased foreclosure listings.
We in county government are looking to do what we can to help people keep their homes. One tool is education and knowledge about the process.
With that in mind, on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, at 6 p.m., the Eaton County Community Development Department will be hosting a Foreclosure Prevention Assistance workshop.
The sessions will be in the Community Room located in the lower level of 551 Courthouse Drive, Charlotte.
The purpose of the class is to teach homeowners how to handle a pending foreclosure and show steps to avoid it and keep their homes.
There are tools and techniques available to all homeowners facing foreclosure and knowing how to work with their lender could lead to positive outcomes with less stress.
Who can help
The class curriculum includes teaching attendees about foreclosure alternatives, key mortgage terms and definitions, and knowing exactly who at a mortgage corporation can help with the situation.
Knowledge is power and assists the individual in controlling the situation with which they are confronted. Ignoring the late notices from the mortgage company because you do not know what to do is the worst thing that can be done.
Knowledge is the tool to address the situation and work to a positive outcome. Homeowners, who attend this class, will learn about special workout options available to them from their mortgage company and which department of a mortgage company to call so they do not get lost in a never ending touch tone only customer service maze.
Nobody wins in a foreclosure. Foreclosures cost lenders significant amounts of money and, for homeowners can be devastating. Part of the American dream is owning your own home, this workshop will help those in trouble to try to keep that dream from becoming a nightmare.
I urge everyone who is facing the possibility of foreclosure to attend this workshop on October 30 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room in the lower level of 551 Courthouse Dr., Charlotte.
For more information, or to RSVP the event, please contact Jonathan Greene at 517-543-3740.
Joe Brehler is the chairman of the Eaton County Board of Commissioners.