State Officials Announce Upcoming Mortgage Assistance Event
April 8, 2013
Connecticut’s distressed homeowners have another opportunity to explore loan modification and foreclosure prevention options with their lenders at a day-long, state-sponsored forum on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at the Omni New Haven Hotel in New Haven.
The mortgage assistance event, the fifth sponsored by the state, was announced at a news conference today by Attorney General George Jepsen and Banking Commissioner Howard F. Pitkin, who are sponsoring this free event with Governor Dannel P. Malloy. They were joined by New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Jr.
“Getting lenders and borrowers together to discuss the issues is the first step to keeping people in their homes,” said Governor Malloy. “This event facilitates those important conversations between the banks and homeowners—thousands of residents have already received assistance and I encourage any distressed homeowner to participate."
“We know from recent reports that banks are providing real debt relief to Connecticut borrowers. More than 5,000 borrowers have benefitted since March 1, 2012 alone,” said Attorney General George Jepsen. “New Haven area homeowners who are struggling to stay in their homes may benefit enormously from this opportunity.”
Commissioner Pitkin remarked, “This event is unique because a homeowner has access to multiple resources to help them out in their situation. A person can meet with their mortgage lender or servicer, and also have the opportunity to speak with a housing counselor or pro bono attorney. Representatives from federal, state and non-profit agencies are also available to discuss programs with homeowners, including job training, fuel assistance and other community resources.”
“People who are facing financial difficulties are sometimes hesitant to seek help because they don't want to discuss their personal finances,” said Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. “Do not let this concern prevent you from seeking the assistance that is available to you. I urge all residents who are behind in their mortgage payments or even at risk of falling behind to take advantage of this opportunity and attend this free event.”
The mortgage assistance forum is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Omni New Haven Hotel in New Haven. Free parking will be available for attendees at the One Temple Street Garage and the 213 Crown Street Garage.
Among the banks sending representatives are: Bank of America; CitiMortgage; First Niagara Bank; HSBC National Bank USA; JPMorgan Chase & Co.; McCue Mortgage; Ocwen Loan Servicing/GMAC Mortgage; People's United Bank; PNC Mortgage; U.S. Bank Home Mortgage; Webster Bank; and Wells Fargo Bank. Also attending will be HUD-approved housing counselors, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, pro bono attorneys, Judicial Branch foreclosure mediators and other federal, state and non-profit agencies.
Connecticut’s event format has become a model for other states because it succeeds in bringing hundreds of mortgage customers together with their bank representatives in one day, state officials said. The events make it easy for homeowners to start the loan review process or to expedite it. Others, who bring all the necessary paperwork, may get an answer the same day to their modification application. If additional paperwork is necessary, the homeowner comes away with a single point of contact to make sure that information gets to where it needs to be.
The goal is to get answers as quickly as possible for homeowners, so they can evaluate their options, make decisions regarding their homes or seek additional counseling.
More information about the mortgage assistance event, including the information homeowners should bring to help them get answers quickly, is available at www.ct.gov/dob/homeowner, or by calling the Department of Banking at 860-240-8170 or 1-877-472-8313.