Success Story, TRIP NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center

Former TRIP NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center (HOC) customer, Cheryl P., recently contacted us to say "thank you" for helping put her on an improved financial path. Cheryl worked closely with HOC Director Bobbi Carter and (former) housing counselor Ryan Hoagland on issues pertaining to her high interest rate mortgage. Cheryl said that she has been making payments on time for the past year and her credit rating is steadily improving. In fact, she is almost at a place where she is eligible for refinancing at a much lower interest rate. According to Cheryl, "I received so much help and support from the TRIP HomeOwnership Center. It's a good place that I want everyone to know about. I love you guys."

Thanks so much Cheryl! It was great to hear from you!

Come to the Housing Fair!

Prospective buyers and homeowners will want to attend the Capital Region Housing Fair on Saturday, April 28th from 10 am-2 pm at the Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Avenue in Albany. 

Featured will be dozens of information booths including:

• Non-profit housing groups like TRIP
• Lenders
• Attorneys
• Housing inspectors
• Real estate agents
• Free Credit Reports
• Free Consultations

Seminars will be held on topics such as:

• How to hire a contractor
• How to finance your home

Fair-goers can learn about new programs:

• How to make your home more comfortable while saving money and the environment

With foreclosures continuing to wreak havoc on families and neighborhoods, participants having trouble with their mortgages can meet with an experienced lawyer or housing counselor for a free consultation about their situation. Also, representatives from Bank of America and Fannie Mae will be available to meet with borrowers and discuss loan options.

One of the most popular features of last year's fair, the free credit reports, will be available this year too. Just bring a photo ID and obtain a free credit report and a credit consultation.

Sponsors include the HomeSave Coalition, Albany Public Library, M&T Bank, NBT Bank, Bank of America, SONYMA, First Niagara, IAR Attorneys at Law, Community Realty, Metroland, and SEFCU.

All are welcome! Door prizes will be drawn throughout the day. More details at http://www.ahphome.org/ or call (518) 434-1730.

TRIP Hosting Foreclosure Intervention Workshop

Are you behind on your mortgage payments? Anticipating missing a payment? Having difficulties with your lender? Facing foreclosure or know someone who is?  Act now. The sooner steps are taken to remediate issues, the better the outcomes. Let us help you help yourself!

Come to TRIP's office at 415 River St. 2nd Floor, Troy on Tuesday, March 13th from 6-8pm for a Foreclosure Intervention Workshop. Knowledgeable housing counselors and attorneys will be available to answer your questions at this free event. Participants will learn about the mortgage default and foreclosure process.  We will discuss the timeline, lender and homeowner expectations, as well as available options and resources.

TRIP, Inc. is one of five non-profit affordable housing organizations in the Capital District, making up the HomeSave Coalition that is sponsoring this series of workshops around the region.  Homeowners from any county in the Capital District are invited to attend.

Please register online at http://triponline.org/news_and_events/calendar.html or by calling Birgit Wood at (518) 690-0020, ext. 226.

Loan Modification Scam Alert

Loan Modification Scam Alert

It's a growing problem across the country: Homeowners facing foreclosure are losing their money – and their homes – to loan modification scams. Information is your best defense. If you see the signs of a scam and know the facts, you can protect yourself.  Scams aren't always easy to spot – but it helps if you know the warning signs to look for. Here are six red flags to indicate that you may be dealing with a loan modification scammer: click here: How to Spot a Scam.

If you or someone you know suspects they may be victim of a scam, there is help. The Hope Hotline, 888-995-HOPE, is the point of contact for homeowners seeking assistance, protection and information on loan modification scams. For information on the Most Common Loan Modification Scams click here.

The "Loan Modification Scam Alert" campaign, launched on October 26, educates homeowners about loan modification scams and empowers them to protect their homes. The Homeowner's HOPE Hotline, 888-995-HOPE, is the central point of contact for homeowners who think they may be a victim of a scam.

Experienced counselors that serve on the Hotline will help remedy the situations of those who have fallen victim to scams. These counselors will then connect homeowners with other resources including a member of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law for free legal assistance, as well as the official loan modification scam alert website at www.LoanScamAlert.com.

Scam victims will be connected to seasoned HUD-approved housing and loan modification scam counselors and homeowners will also have free access to pro-bono attorneys who will review their case and work closely with state AG offices, the FTC, as well as local law enforcement to prosecute cases as appropriate.