Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reminded 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,  “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. Consumers 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 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. “It’s important to seek 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 past few months, a statistical review showed that there has been a relative decline in foreclosures, particularly Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings – the first step in the process. “With that said,” noted O’Donnell, “we realize that while Norfolk County is a destination location to both live and work, there are still some of our neighbors facing economic hardships. During the month of January, there were 30 foreclosures recorded at the Registry and 41 Notice to Foreclose mortgage filings initiated against homeowners.”

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.”

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 Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

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 consult the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org or contact our Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101.

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