Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reminds homeowners who are in the midst of struggling to pay their mortgage or facing foreclosure that there are consumer programs available to assist them during these trying times.
Register O’Donnell stated, “While the eastern Massachusetts economy has been robust, some of our neighbors have faced economic hardship. Foreclosures can result from a number of reasons including an illness, a job loss or being on a fixed income.”
To help consumers, the Registry of Deeds has partnered with several reputable agencies by promoting their services when it comes to mortgage modification and foreclosure programs. Consumers can either contact the Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 or NeighborWorks Southern Mass at (508) 587-0950 x-46. Another option would be the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. “These agencies,” noted O’Donnell, “provide a range of assistance from helping with the mortgage modification process to providing legal services, to staving off a foreclosure, and to offering several forms of credit counseling. Additional resource options can be found on the Registry’s website, www.norfolkdeeds.org under the Support tab.”
The Register also provided a cautionary note to consumers. “Unfortunately, foreclosure rescue and mortgage modification relief is becoming a growing business scam. Some of these unscrupulous companies look to charge consumers outrageous prices for services by making unrealistic promises to them. If what they are telling you seems too good to be true, it probably is. Please check out any mortgage modification or foreclosure relief company before entering into a contract with them.”
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds statistics show that during the past several months, a mostly downward trend has occurred when it comes to Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process. “With that said,” noted O’Donnell, “we realize that while Norfolk County is a destination location to both live and work, one foreclosure in the county is one too many.”
Register O’Donnell concluded, “The Registry is always glad to help those facing a mortgage delinquency or foreclosure crisis by directing them to the appropriate agency These organizations are there to serve your needs in the most professional and honorable ways.”
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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