Story Published: Mar 10, 2010 at 6:54 PM PDT
Story Updated: Mar 10, 2010 at 7:50 PM PDT
One woman gets emotional as she talks about going through foreclosure.
PORTLAND, Ore. – More than 80 people a day in Oregon receive notice that their most important asset – their home – is on the line. That's a lot of emotional and financial stress.
Consequently, we have compiled this list of the credible places where Oregon and Southwest Washington homeowners can turn for help.
Having difficulty meeting your mortgage payments or modifying your home loan? Find help by doing one (or all) of the following:
- Call 1 (800) SAFE-NET. You can get help with utility, housing and food assistance, plus a referral for a foreclosure counselor who can negotiate with your lender.
- Call the federal "Homeowner's Hope" hot line at 1 (888) 995-HOPE. It has counselors who work with callers at no charge to help them assess their options.
- Call your lender yourself. Under Oregon Senate Bill 628, lenders must meet with you if you're facing foreclosure.
- Go to MakingHomeAffordable.gov. You can fill out a questionnaire to find out if you qualify for a loan modification and then apply for it online.
Considering foreclosure alternatives? Here's a tutorial from Oregon's Department of Justice on how to avoid mortgage scams:
Thinking you already may be involved in a mortgage scam? Here's how to file a complaint that will start a state investigation:
- File a complaint at the Oregon Department of Justice Web site, or call 1 (877) 877-9392
- File a complaint at the Washington Attorney General's Web site, or call 1 (800) 551-4636
General foreclosure resources: