If your mortgage is late, don't wait

Home Repair Resource Center, a HUD-certified housing counseling agency located in Cleveland Heights, received a national grant that allows the agency to extend its foreclosure intervention and prevention counseling services to residents in Northeast Ohio including the inner-ring suburbs. 

For those facing foreclosure on their homes, it is important to first contact your lender. Second, contact a HUD approved counseling agency, like the Home Repair Resource Center. One should understand that there is not one standard solution for each household in foreclosure. Foreclosure prevention provides various options that may or may not be available depending on the household circumstances and the type of mortgage loan a person might have. However, homeowners must be pro-active in all efforts to avoid foreclosure.

While each household’s situation is unique, foreclosures affect the person holding the mortgage, the family, the neighborhood and the entire community.  There are many possible outcomes but the most important step is to reach out for help now, rather than later. Early intervention has the potential to minimize the impact and help save your home.

Mortgage lenders and servicers have agreed to participate in various federal and state programs to assist struggling homeowners keep their homes. Programs include: Making Homes Affordable, Home Now Alliance, and Cuyahoga County Foreclosure Prevention.

Beware of scams. HUD certified counseling agencies don’t charge a fee for services involving foreclosure intervention. The Home Repair Resource Center has certified and experienced counselors specially trained in foreclosure intervention. Its counselors have been instrumental in helping many Cleveland Heights residents save their homes from foreclosure.

Call the agency at 216-381-6100, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to make an appointment.

Gail Jackson lives on East Derbyshire and works for the Home Repair Resource Center.