Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reminded homeowners who are confronting the challenges of paying their mortgage or facing a foreclosure that there are consumer programs available to help them out.
"During the past several years, our office has partnered with reputable agencies by promoting their services when it comes to mortgage modification and foreclosure issues. We realized that while Norfolk County is a destination location for many homeowners to live and work, some of our neighbors are facing economic hardships. Just last month, there were 30 foreclosures recorded at the Registry and 55 notice to foreclose mortgages initiated against homeowners," noted the Register.
Those facing mortgage delinquencies or foreclosure actions can contact either 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 HomeCorps program at (617) 573-3333. These agencies provide a range of assistance from helping with the mortgage modification process to providing legal services to stave off a foreclosure and to 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 those seeking such services. "It's important for you to seek the right source such as a non-profit or state agency as cited above. Unfortunately, foreclosure rescues and mortgage modifications are becoming a growing scam. Some unscrupulous private companies look to prey on desperate consumers and make unreasonable promises while wanting outlandish fees for service."
Register O'Donnell concluded, "The Registry is unequivocally committed 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."
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The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org.
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