Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reminds homeowners who are in the midst of struggling to pay their mortgage or are facing a foreclosure that there are consumer programs available to help them out.
Register O’Donnell stated, “While the eastern Massachusetts economy remains on a solid footing, some of our neighbors face economic hardship. To help those having difficulty paying their mortgage, my office has partnered with reputable agencies by promoting their services when it comes to mortgage modification and foreclosure issues. Consumers can contact either the Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 or NeighborWorks Southern Mass at (508) 587-0950. Another option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. These agencies provide a range of assistance from helping with the mortgage modification process to providing legal services to stave off a foreclosure as well as offering several forms of credit counseling. Additional information can be found on the Registry’s website, www.norfolkdeeds.org under the Support tab.”
The Register also had a cautionary warning for consumers. “Please make sure you utilize the right source for your needs such as a non-profit or state agency as cited above. Unfortunately, foreclosure rescues and mortgage modification relief are becoming a growing scam. Some unscrupulous private companies look to charge consumers outrageous prices for services and make unrealistic promises to them.”
During the 3rd quarter of 2018, foreclosure activity was mixed. The total number of foreclosure deeds recorded was 63, a small 3% increase year over year. The numbers were more sobering with Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process. There were 127 Notice to Foreclose Mortgages recorded during the quarter, a 24.5% increase year over year.
Register O’Donnell concluded, “The statistics listed above reinforce the fact that foreclosure activity remains a source of concern. We at the Registry are proud of our commitment to helping those facing a mortgage delinquency or foreclosure by directing them to the appropriate agency that can hopefully put them back on the road to financial recovery. I urge people who feel that they need such services to contact the agencies referenced above.”
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at Facebook/com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
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