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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsI'm so scared. Please help us.
I'm 59 and disabled and my wife is 47 and has MS. I think we're getting foreclosed but I'm not sure. I don't understand what is going on. I'm afraid we're going to lose our home, even tho it's all paid for - no mortgage. Property taxes maybe, but it's not the county, its some lawyers. We cant afford an attorney. Please help.
CurtEastPoint
(18,663 posts)SCantiGOP
(13,873 posts)My wife worked for them for 10 years. If they can't help you because of income guidelines, they will likely refer you to lawyers who may do the work without charge. My wife has a private practice now specializing in creditor harassment, avoiding foreclosure, and bankruptcy. It if nauseating the length these people will go to harass and victimize people who are having financial difficulties. Good luck to you.
Chan790
(20,176 posts)That's the first step. There is almost certainly an organization in your state or community that helps people in these situations free-of-charge/for-whatever-you-can-afford-to-pay that will be familiar with your local laws and has experience handling these situations. They probably will have a better grasp of what is going on as well and know who these lawyers are.
thank you all. we're in ohio. The worst part is that i don't feel like my brain is working right and that I'm unsure about what to do. I'll try legal aid.
dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)First , who is the company trying this?
2nd, what state do you live in? That is important because in some states foreclosures have to go thru the courts.
3rd..if your mortgage IS paid off, go talk to the local title insurance company, and the county assessor, and let them know you need help.
I bet you can point out to the country assessor that your title/mortgage had been passed around among several companies,
NONE of whom paid the county any recording fee...see if your assessor can find out for sure. That will give him some skin in the game.
Lastly, most lawyers will give free consultatations, so no charge to talk to one who is hopefully familiar with foreclosure law.
Lots of times lawyers will take a case if they think they can sue the mortgage servicer and win.
Also, go here and read up on how common this trick is by mortgage companies..there should be some resources that will help you.
http://4closurefraud.org/
And...are you in a state where Occupy has been active in helping fight foreclosures????
CurtEastPoint
(18,663 posts)The first thought I had was Legal Aid. You all gave great info.
I hope it helps our person in need.
handmade34
(22,757 posts)keep asking for help until you get it... legal aid, the town, the county clerk, social services, anyone that may have information..
I have no specific advice but have been in situations that don't make sense and the only thing that kept me going was contact with people that cared
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)He can maybe help with the Wishadoo program that he runs.
Good Luck and Best wishes that you get this resolved.
Kali
(55,019 posts)it is probably after hours there and night can be more anxiety provoking than day so try to do something to calm down. You got a few good leads here that you can tackle in the morning. In all likelihood things will work out.
Slow down and make some lists of the kinds of information you have or might need and try to keep things somewhat handy and organized. There are resources out there to help, but it does take some work and persistence most of the time to get what you need. And that is made all the more difficult with the panic and anxiety. Hang in there and stay in contact with us. If you are disabled you know some of the routine, I am sure. You will be able to work this.
a la izquierda
(11,797 posts)And I've been on the HUD website. If you have Internet, go to hud.gov
Good luck.
rug
(82,333 posts)Then check with your local county court. All foreclosure actions must go through there. There has been such an avalanche of foreclosures that most county courts have a mortgage diversion program and referrals for assistance.
Good luck!
applegrove
(118,778 posts)OhioChick
(23,218 posts)You may want to contact Marcy Kaptur regardless if she's your Congresswoman, or not.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/11/02/ohio-dem-backs-call-to-occupy-foreclosures/
Perhaps she can offer you some advice, or at least point you in the right direction.
I wish you the best.
nytemare
(10,888 posts)Most have a feature where you can look up the address, and see tax details, lien holder information, etc. You should be able to see there if perhaps the county may have sold a tax lien certificate to anybody, which may be the case. I would also recommend calling the property appraiser, so you can get an accurate picture of what is going on.
Did you receive a letter from somebody claiming to have a lien certificate?
I think a call to your property appraiser should help to find out where you stand, if you have back taxes due, etc.
Please keep us posted. All my best wishes to you.
Joe Shlabotnik
(5,604 posts)and your wife. Been through similar.
If your house is paid for, then you have one HUGE hurdle out of the way. If its back taxes, you can negotiate that with em. Good advice posted up above too. Stay calm and remember nothing happens overnight, or over weekends (except possibly being served court papers.....lay low to be safe, don't answer the door: establish protocols with friendlies).
There is (usually) a process that is negotiable between calm minds that gets you through each day dealing with the authorities, and as long as you are in communication you can always stall for more days..... meanwhile you and your advisers work out the solution via counter offer. Be polite and professional while you figure out a counter strategy.
Just remember, being humble and begging only empowers them: don't grovel and promise things that you can't afford: One fuck up and they move in for the kill. Best of luck
hopemountain
(3,919 posts)is in response to a letter or a phone call (similar to one i received last fall - they even had my social security number!!!) - it is very likely a scam - call your local legal aid. they helped me. i gave them all of the information and they handled it for me.
good luck.
ConcernedCanuk
(13,509 posts).
.
.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_mortgage
"A reverse mortgage is a form of equity release (or lifetime mortgage). It is a loan available to home owners or home buyers, enabling them to access a portion of the subject home's equity. The home owners can draw the mortgage principal in a lump sum, by receiving monthly payments over a specified term or over their (joint) lifetimes, as a revolving line of credit, or some combination thereof."
more at link
CC
Incitatus
(5,317 posts)You say own your house. If it was a tax issue, I would expect a notice from the government not some "lawyer"
This sounds like someone might be trying to scam you.
Myrina
(12,296 posts)n/t
Bluesplayer
(663 posts)Called legal aid today. It took 6 calls at 16 minutes each, but I finally got through. My income is too high to qualify for their services!! LOL...
I'll try a regular lawyer.
Thanks again for the kindnesses....
nytemare
(10,888 posts)Did you receive a letter from someone claiming that they have a property tax lien, and they are demanding payment?
To confirm if it is legit, the property appraiser is the best bet.
Best of luck to you.
marzipanni
(6,011 posts)It has a little form to fill out to get advice, or find a lawyer.
Good luck!
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/types-property-liens.html
Earth_First
(14,910 posts)Find out and contact them ASAP!
They will help in more ways than you'll know!
Good luck!
Let me know I have a few other orgs that may be able to help...
Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)They might be able to hook you up with a free mortgage counselor:
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/mortgagehelp/
First things first: There is free foreclosure help. If anyone tries to charge you in advance for help or guarantees that they can stop your foreclosure, theyre not legitimate.
If youre behind on your mortgage, or having a hard time making payments, we want to get you in touch with a HUD-approved housing counselor theyve been sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Your counselor can develop a tailored plan of action for your situation and help you work with your mortgage company. Theyre experienced in all of the available programs and a variety of financial situations. They can help you organize your finances, understand your mortgage options, and find a solution that works for you.
Find a counselor
Housing counselors
Search HUDs housing counselor list by location and services.
(800) 569-4287
Call HUD, enter your ZIP code and theyll refer you to a counselor near you.
State agencies
Housing Finance Agencies listed by state.
Submit a complaint
Submitting a complaint wont automatically stop or delay foreclosure, but we will forward your issue to the company to get an answer about what theyre doing or going to do about your case. We also publish which companies get the most complaints, and about which types of problems people are having with them.
Submit a complaint
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