Taking Advantage of People At Risk of Foreclosure

[BigTex]

If any of you are ever facing foreclosure, watch out. Aside from trying to deal with your mortgage company and work out your loan problems, you'll be attacked by what I call "foreclosure buzzards" from hell!

First... you'll receive mail from people/companies who want to "help you work out your mortgage problems and help you avoid losing your home"... they will do NOTHING for you that you can't do for yourself. The difference? Most of these people/companies want hundreds or even thousands of dollars for their services. It's all junk but some desperate people sadly fall for the scam.

Second, watch out for lawyers who want you to file bankruptcy immediately. This is dangerous.

Third, do your level best to work everything out with your mortgage company... talk to higher-ups or executives if you need to. Offer to repay everything and put it in writing.

Fourth, if you are able to avoid foreclosure, you'll have to go down to the courthouse yourself and remove all the information from their system. Take down your own foreclosure notice. Remove the filing from their books. I did it all on my own and damn... it sure felt good.

Fifth, demand a full itemized statement of all the foreclosure fees your mortgage company is trying to charge you. I found numerous fees that were severely inflated and was able to get mine reduced nearly in half.

You will survive. Take control, don't panic but at the same time, don't waste any time. You can save your home.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Of course, the best approach is to avoid foreclosure by managing your money and making sure that the house payments are made on time. Sometimes (depending upon where you live) you can get emergency assistance if you are of low income, and your family faces eviction from a foreclosure, so if all else fails check with your County's Social Services office to see if you qualify for emergency help.