Latinos and others struggling with mortgage payments can sit down one-to-one with lenders to explore loan modification and foreclosure prevention options. Spanish translators will be available.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., July 10, at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. This is the third in a series of mortgage assistance events sponsored by the Attorney General’s Office, the state Department of Banking, and the Governor’s Office. The events are funded by a $750,000 settlement the state won against a financial institution.
State Banking Commissioner Howard Pitkin said in an interview with CTLatinoNews.com that it’s not possible to determine how successful the forums have been in terms of loan modifications for consumers. “It’s a little confusing,” he said, but added that matching consumers with their lenders, who typically find themselves in an adversarial position, is “invaluable.”
Pitkin estimated that more than a third of the attendees at the two previous forums in Hartford and Bridgeport, which had a combined turnout of 2800 people, wanted to talk to lenders before losing their homes.
He encouraged state residents, particularly those in eastern Connecticut, to take advantage of the program in Storrs. “Connecticut homeowners who are having difficulties with their mortgage may learn about state and federal resources that may be available to help their situation. Those who are unable to attend can get help through the Department’s Foreclosure Assistance Hotline,” he said. The hotline number is 1-877-472-8313.
The mortgage assistance forum is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the University of Connecticut Student Union in Storrs. Free parking is available in the South Parking Garage. Parking tickets will be validated at the event.
Among the banks sending representatives are: Bank of America; Chelsea Groton Bank; Citibank; First Niagara Bank; GMAC Mortgage; HSBC National Bank USA; Indymac/OneWest; JPMorgan Chase & Co.; McCue Mortgage; Ocwen Loan Servicing; People’s United Bank; PNC Mortgage; Webster Bank; and Wells Fargo Bank. Also attending will be HUD-approved housing counselors, Connecticut Fair Housing Center attorneys, Judicial branch foreclosure mediators and representatives of Statewide Legal Services, The Workplace, Inc. and other state and non-profit agencies.
More information about the Storrs event, including the information homeowners should bring to help them get answers quickly, is available at the state Department of Banking’s website, or by calling 860-240-8170 or 1-877-472-8313.