Ohio Attorney General Representatives Sue Pohlman and Cornelius O'Grady recently came to Preble County to assist in the "Save Our Homes" meeting in order to create a Foreclosure Taskforce for our county. The meeting, held Friday, March 20, was with Pohlman, O'Grady, Preble County Commissioner Bob Stonecash, along with local bankers, elected officials, Community Action Agencies, County Extension agents, Chamber of Commerce representatives, Legal Aid Society representatives, lawyers, realtors, mortgage brokers, also construction companies, attorneys, law enforcement, and community leaders, all who assist the public with foreclosure issues.
Members of the community discussed how Preble County could get back on track and find ways to help reduce the amount of foreclosures in our area. The Save Our Home Program was created because of the long-range negative impact that occurs when residents lose their homes due to the economic downturn.
Important points discussed were:
•The effects on the family. Foreclosures financially are devastating and families can lose their most valuable assets, severely damage their credit and homeowners often have very little chance of total financial recovery.
•The effects on the community. Communities also take a toll on foreclosures and can suffer from the loss of tax revenue, result in an increase of crime, homes become neglected and are poorly maintained, contributes to neighborhood instability, a decrease in property values and raises costs for local government.
•Law enforcement resources and local government resources are significantly depleted due to foreclosure processes.
•Mediation resources are available for people dealing with foreclosures.
•The majority of resources for persons in foreclosure are already available in the county, other resources can be brought in.
•Rapid Response Teams are available from the government for help.
•Suspect a scam: Contact Attorney General's Office or Better Business Bureau.
A statement released by Attorney General Cordray informs the public on the Federal Foreclosure Plan:
"President Obama's Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan offers a substantial step forward in putting an end to the foreclosure crisis and fixing the housing market. It brings together servicers, borrowers and the government to attack the problem from the inside-out, while providing the structure for sound rehabilitation.
"Today, I call on servicers handling loans in Ohio and investors to step up and take an active role in implementing this plan. We're past the point of inactivity and excuses. We have no more patience for broken promises. Now is the time to become part of the solution.
"I also, however, strongly caution Ohioans that with the new plan, we will see a rise in foreclosure rescue scams. Therefore, it is critical to remain vigilant and know your rights. Under no circumstances will borrowers be charged to be in this program. Borrowers can do this on their own, they do not need assistance in filing the application. Under no circumstances should borrowers pay any company any dollar amount to gain the benefit of this plan.
"Con artists tend to prey on the financially vulnerable. Ohioans should arm themselves with knowledge and recognize their rights. Those who fear that they may have fallen victim to a foreclosure rescue scam should contact my office immediately. We will not tolerate any attempt to take advantage of and victimize Ohioans."
Those who fear that they are a victim in any consumer scam should contact Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray's Office immediately at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or (800) 282-0515.
Also, visit the Save the Dream website at www.savethedream.ohio.gov to find more information on the foreclosure process, how to contact mortgage servicers, what resources are available in each county, how to avoid "rescue" scams, information on renters and foreclosure, what legal assistance and mediation is available, and answers to frequently asked questions. Or call the Save the Dream hotline at (888) 404-4674 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday to speak with a trained operator.
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