Here are some legitimate resources to help you fight the foreclosure crisis.You’ve been warned about foreclosure scams. But sometimes it’s really hard to tell if something is a scam or not. Some less-than-reliable outfits have even taken to including “hud” or “gov” in their URLs to fool you into thinking they are legitimate foreclosure counselors. It pays to be wary. Below are some websites from government and non-profit agencies that can help you with foreclosure. Some are seeking volunteers and donations to help stop the foreclosure crisis
.HOPENOW.COMResearch your options with this web formFind your mortgage lenderFind a foreclosure counselor in your areaFocused on helping homeowners in crisis, this alliance helps you determine your options
FTC.GOVFind a foreclosure counselorRaise your own credit scoreFix mistakes on your credit reportThe Federal Trade Commission has expert advice
FINDAFORECLOSURECOUNSELOR.ORGFind a legitimate foreclosure counselor near youThis non-profit organization was created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization
efforts
MAKINGHOMEAFFORDABLE.GOVMaking Home AffordableMaking Home Affordable: short sale documents
Making Home Affordable: deed in lieu documentsThe official government site for loan modifications and foreclosure alternatives
PORTAL.HUD.GOVFind resources to avoid foreclosure in your stateConsult state and local resources
MYFICO.COMImprove You Credit Score
Credit Q&ACredit BasicsUnderstand credit and your credit scores
ANNUALCREDITREPORT.COMSee your credit reportGet all the details on late payments and other information, but not your actual credit score
RESPONSIBLELENDING.ORGThe Center for Responsible LendingA non-profit organization that works to stop predatory lending practices
CREDITEDUCATION.ORGVolunteer to be a credit counselorNon-profit agency that works to provide financial literacy
LIVEUNITED.ORGUnited WayDonate or volunteer to decrease the number of families that are financially unstable
NCRC.ORGDonate to the National Community Reinvestment CoalitionSend a donation to help NCRC “ensure that people in traditionally underserved communities are treated fairly and justly when applying for credit, opening a bank account, getting a mortgage, a loan, or other financial product or service.”
IRS.GOVThe Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief ActGet the details about when you might owe taxes on any debt that is canceled through a short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure
OCC.GOVDownload a PDF on identifying a loan modification scamThe Office of the Comptroller of the Currency provides detail about scams, including “10 Warning Signs of a Loan Modification Scam
.Labels: buying and selling a home, foreclosure, home buying process
# posted by
Tara O'Brien @ 12:05 PM
