Program To Help Residents Struggling With Their Mortgage Set For Dec. 12

All New Jersey residents who are struggling to pay their mortgages are invited to attend a free Foreclosure Prevention Resource Event next month.

The event, hosted by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) is set for Monday, Dec. 12, 3 p.m.-8 p.m. at The Boathouse at Mercer Lake, Mercer County Park, 334 South Post Road in West Windsor.

Residents will get information about available foreclosure prevention programs and provide homeowners with an opportunity to visit with housing counselors, industry representatives and local organizations that can offer helpful resources.

They will be able to meet with an experienced HUD-Certified Housing Counselor at no cost to review their case, discuss available options and begin the application process for assistance.

Additionally, organizations from Burlington and Mercer County will be in attendance to provide services and information to their residents.

“The Foreclosure Prevention Resource Event is a great opportunity for homeowners to learn about programs that can be of help to them,” DCA Commissioner and HMFA Board Chairman Charles A. Richman said. “We encourage residents to stop by with their questions and concerns so they can be matched with the appropriate assistance.”

The event will highlight two programs available through New Jersey’s Hardest Hit Fund (NJHHF):

• New Jersey HomeKeeper offers eligible homeowners up to $48,000 in financial assistance to cover arrearages and/or monthly mortgage payments (including principal, interest, taxes and insurance) for up to 12 months.
• New Jersey HomeSaver offers eligible homeowners up to $50,000 in financial assistance to help bring their household monthly payment to an affordable level through a refinance, recast, or permanent modification of the first mortgage loan.

“The New Jersey HomeKeeper and HomeSaver programs are here to assist homeowners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments,” HMFA Executive Director Anthony L. Marchetta said. “We encourage all area homeowners to attend this event and learn about their options. Through meeting one-on-one with a housing counselor, homeowners can obtain a personalized plan of action for their specific situations and begin to get back on track.”

The NJHHF, which includes the New Jersey HomeKeeper and New Jersey HomeSaver programs, is funded through a federal grant from the United States Treasury’s Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) and is administered by HMFA for the State of New Jersey. HHF is a federal initiative that creates locally-tailored foreclosure prevention programs in areas hardest hit by the economic downturn, including 18 states and the District of Columbia.

Homeowners interested in attending and meeting with a housing counselor at the Foreclosure Prevention Resource Event on December 12 may register online at http://bit.ly/dec12foreclosure.

Registration is not required, but is encouraged to ensure adequate resources are available on-site for attendees.

For more information about the event visit http://www.njhousing.gov/foreclosure or, contact a HHF Consumer Relations Liaison toll free at 1-855-647-7700 or 609-278-7660 or email hardesthitnj@njhmfa.gov.

Patch file photo