Phoenix foreclosures and what people can do

 

Foreclosures by Council District	2007	2008	% Change
1 ~ Thelda Williams, 602-262-7444	185	699	278%
2 ~ Peggy Neely, 602-262-7445	190	585	208%
3 ~ Maria Baier, 602-262-7441	128	336	163%
4 ~ Tom Simplot, 602-262-7447	92	451	390%
5 ~ Claude Mattox, 602-262-7446	196	871	344%
6 ~ Greg Stanton, 602-262-7491	91	291	220%
7 ~ Michael Nowakowski, 262-7492	378	1,571	316%
8 ~ Michael Johnson, 262-7493	125	465	272%
Total	1,385	5,269	280%

Note: Numbers are from FY2007 and FY2008 (through March); Source: City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department.

Here are three agencies that can help distressed homeowners who may be facing foreclosure or homeowners already in foreclosure:

• HOPE Hotline has a single mission: To help homeowners avoid foreclosure.  Call toll-free 888-995-4673; website.
• Maricopa County Community Legal Services: 305 S. 2nd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85036-1538; phone: 602-258-3434; toll-free: 1-800-852-9075; Rescue Foreclosure: 602-682-3410.
• Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) Housing Corp.: 1018 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85007; phone: 602-253-1111; website.

Ways to avoid being a victim of a foreclosure scam (Source: Arizona Department of Financial Institutions):

• Contact your lender immediately to implement a “work out” program or a plan, if you fall behind on your mortgage payment.
• If you cannot bring your mortgage payments current, think about selling your home and keeping the equity you have built up.
• Enlist the services of a reputable licensed real estate professional.  Check with the Arizona Department of Real Estate for licensed real estate professionals.
• DO NOT sign documents with blank spaces or blank documents.
• DO NOT sign any documents that you do not understand.
• DO NOT ignore lender “warning letters.”

If you think you are a victim of a foreclosure rescue scam, fill out and sign a formal written complaint form with the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions.  You must provide a detailed timeline of the events and the entities and persons involved along with all corresponding documentation.