Resources to help you stay in your home

YourKansasHome.org
http://yourkansashome.org/

If you are facing financial difficulties, whether they are short-term problems with cash flow or long-term issues such as a job loss or serious illness, you need to start exploring your options as soon as possible to avoid foreclosure.  Even if you have not missed a mortgage payment, but are worried that you may fall behind soon, now is the time to take action and study your options.

Visit YourKansasHome.org for valuable information regarding:

Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc (HCCI)

For those who are behind on their mortgage payments.  Foreclosure prevention options and a timeline for Kansas foreclosure is available.  Counselors are HUD certified housing counselors and can discuss your options for:  FHA and VA programs, Forbearance Agreements, Loan Modification, Refinance Options, Repayment Workouts, and the sale of the property.  Contact by phone at 785-234-0217, or by e-mail at hcci@hcci-ks.org.


City of Lawrence

      Comprehensive Housing Rehabilitation

Deferred or installment loan program that allows homeowners to borrow up to $25,000 to have needed rehab completed. Applications are received periodically. To be notified of the next application period contact Tony Hoch at 832-3113 or thoch@lawrenceks.org or Jessica Roberts at 832-3114 or jroberts@lawrenceks.org.

      Emergency & Furnace Loans

For emergency situations, the City offers an emergency loan program that can provide up to $5,000 for emergency repairs or furnace replacement. Mobile home owners may access up to $2,500. Applications are available in the Development Services Office and online. 

      Weatherization Grants

      Please mark your calendars for August 1, 2012 to submit a program application.


Making Home Affordable (MHA)

http://MakingHomeAffordable.gov

        Making Home Affordable is the Obama Administration's initiative that help struggling homeowners get mortgage relief through a variety of programs payment or transitioning out of your home while avoiding foreclosure. Before you begin, please explore the available programs and learn more about MHA. The more you understand your options, the easier it will be when you speak to a  housing expert or your mortgage servicer.

Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP)

If you're not behind on your mortgage payments but have been unable to get traditional refinancing because the value of your home has declined, you may be eligible to refinance through MHA's Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). HARP is designed to help you get a new, more affordable, more stable mortgage. HARP refinance loans require a loan application and underwriting process, and refinance fees will apply.

Making Home Affordable Options include:

 

BEWARE of Mortgage Foreclosure Scams

Tips to Avoid Scams:

1. Beware of anyone who asks you to pay a fee in exchange for counseling services or the modification of a delinquent loan.

2. Beware of people who pressure you to sign papers immediately or who try to convince you that they can "save" your home if you sign or transfer over the deed to your house.

3. Do not sign over the deed to your property to any organization or individual unless you are working directly with your mortgage company to forgive your debt.

4. Never make a mortgage payment to anyone other than your mortgage company without their approval.