10.25.08
Video Helps those Facing Foreclosure
Hennepin County Taxpayer Services, in partnership with Minnesota Home Ownership Center and Hennepin County Public Affairs Dept. , is offering a web-based, mortgage foreclosure Video Workshop. The web-based video gives residents 24/7 access to the same foreclosure information offered at workshops at Hennepin county libraries. The workshop helps homeowners worried about foreclosure, and renters affected by property owners’ foreclosures – to understand the foreclosure process, their rights, and how they can find assistance.
The video is easy to access over the internet, offering valuable information that can be viewed at a convenient time and private location. I was impressed with the content. The 1 hour video is a very realistic look at the foreclosure process. It walks consumers through each step, telling them what to expect. It warns them of a number of fraud schemes that are most likely to occur once the notice of foreclosure has been published in the newspaper. Foreclosure scams to look out for include a buyback scheme, where someone comes in asking for a deed to the property, and telling you you can lease the property from them; someone coming to a homeowner and asking for a fee to negotiate a better deal with the lender; or anyone promising a quick and easy sale.
The video is well worth the time for any one behind on even a single payment on their mortgage. It’s an excellent tool that explains what paperwork is needed for review, how to contact legitimate nonprofit free counselors for assistance, and how to talk to or lender when you get behind in payments. It also addresses the needs and rights of renters who are losing a place to live because the owner is in foreclosure, even though the renter has made every payment on time.
Kudos to Hennepin county and the Minnesota home ownership center.