Colapietro: Homeowners Facing Foreclosure May Find Relief in State Programs

Bristol , CT – October 28, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) — Connecticut homeowners facing foreclosure may find help in several new programs created by the General Assembly earlier this year, state Senator Thomas Colapietro (D- Bristol) said today. However, navigating the programs and knowing where to turn to for help can be difficult.

“Foreclosure isn’t just a problem for individual homeowners,” said Senator Colapietro. “It hurts property values and strains communities, which is a problem for all of us. The state has programs available that may help people who are having trouble with their mortgage, but they have to know where to look and who to call; and it’s not always easy to figure it all out.”

Programs for individuals and families facing possible home foreclosure are available through several agencies. Connecticut resident can also contact the state Department of Banking’s Mortgage Foreclosure Assistance Hotline at (877)472-8313.

The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) offers three financial assistance programs for homeowners who qualify:

• Connecticut Fair Alternative Mortgage Lending Initiative and Education Services Program (CT FAMILIES): CT FAMLIES loans are for individuals and families who bought any current home using an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, or who had an Adjustable Rate Mortgage and refinanced into another Adjustable Rate Mortgage. You must reside in the property as your primary residence and must meet certain income guidelines to qualify.
• Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (EMAP): A program for homeowners who have received a Notice of Foreclosure dated on or after July 1, 2008, the EMAP loan is available to eligible homeowners who are not able to meet their monthly mortgage payment obligation due to extenuating circumstances. CHFA provides assistance in paying a portion of the homeowner’s monthly mortgage payment for a maximum of five years.)
• Homeowner Equity Recovery Opportunity Program (HERO): HERO is a $30 million program that allows CHFA to purchase mortgages directly from lenders and place eligible borrowers on an affordable payment schedule for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. To qualify for HERO assistance, borrowers must have made an effort to meet financial obligations, have a sufficient and stable income, have the legal title to the mortgaged property and reside in it as their permanent residence, show an accounting for their cash flow and agree to attend in-person financial counseling at a CHFA-approved agency.

The General Assembly also created the statewide Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program through The Workplace, Inc., which offers customized employment services, job training scholarships, job placement assistance, financial literacy, credit counseling and referrals to other needed services for borrowers who are at least 60 days past due on their mortgage payments on their primary residence in Connecticut and have a household income of less than $120,000. There is no cost to qualified participants.

To for more information on financial assistance programs or to contact CHFA, visit www.chfa.org or call (860)721-9501.

For more information on the Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program or to contact The Workplace, Inc. call toll-free (866)683-1682 or visit www.workplace.org/mortgage.asp.