Housing Counselors Waging War Against Foreclosures
Most of the borrowers are at a loss how to tackle the impending problem but the housing counselors are there with unsheathed swords waging a war against foreclosures. They have first hand knowledge of the various federal government plans involving $75 billion. The plans are there but the borrowers need to be navigated and for this the counselors, certified by HUD, are there on a non-profit basis.
Faith Schwartz of Hope Now said of the counselors that they “are really on the front lines advocating for the buyers.” She added, “This world has changed. It used to be sub-prime borrowers, and now the problem is an economic problem with delinquencies in prime.”
Carol Robinson of HomeFree USA begins work from 8 a.m. and often continues to well after sunset. She either directly meets the concerned persons or contacts them over the phone and sometimes by e-mails. The harrowing tales of woe of the clients seem to haunt her. She browses through the obituaries and write ups to see if any body she had interacted with have made news or if anything untoward had happened to them.
Many fail to keep their house. Marcia Griffin of HomeFree said it is better for the clients to know the harsh truth. She said, “As a non-profit, we can give you options. Sometimes we have to sit with you and say, ‘there’s no way.’” She tries to keep the office environment as comfort giving as possible so that the stress can be somewhat alleviated. The chairs are soft blue coloured. There are fig trees standing on clay urns. A brick wall stands exposed while scented flickering candles exude scents. She had taken the help of a Feng Shui expert to bring about this effect.
Robinson explains to her clients that banks are not compelled to make modifications. Hence they have to explain to the lenders that by doing so they gain through modifying the loan instead of proceeding with foreclosures. Lately lenders have become more amenable to this line of thinking. The banks have increased their staff strength and trained them to become more familiar with the government programmes.
There are signs everywhere in Robinson’s office that their efforts are paying off. Cards have been stuck on to a black cabinet with messages reading “thank you very much for your help during our ordeal” or “your thoughtfulness knows no end.” Another card read, “Your thoughtfulness knows no end.” One client gifted her a blue angel made of paper
