Sweet Orange

Note: I just saw this information, so I wanted to pass it along to anyone who is interested. Therefore, the post on green buildings in Orange County will be posted at a later date.

The Orange County Credit Union is offering a free workshop today (September 10) from 7 pm to 8 pm at the Yorba Linda library. If you are unhappy with your current loan, here is a place where you can receive information on your options.

The workshop will cover the following:

• Who is eligible for loan modifications?
• What modifications are the banks willing to make?
• How should you approach the banks for a modification?

For more information, call the Library Information Desk at 714-777-2873, extension 6.

Also, the Orange County Credit Union’s website warns of the following foreclosure scams:

• Phantom help: The con artists claim they can negotiate an agreement with your lender but they require an upfront fee. They may also ask you to start paying your mortgage to them….
• Rent to own: The con artists claim that by giving them the title to your house, they will take over your mortgage payments (or find an investor who will) but allow you to stay and pay a reasonable rent….
• Fake refinancing: The con artists claim that they are refinancing your loan to bring it current and have you sign the “loan papers.”…
• Buyer scouting: The con artists guarantee that they will find a buyer for you, and you will both split the profits when the home sells….

To read more on this, see the Orange County Credit Union website  section on foreclosure scams.

Remember: Free foreclosure prevention and mortgage modification help is available; be wary on anyone who asks you for a fee. If you think that you are a victim of a mortgage scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission, (877)-FTC-HELP, and your state’s attorney general office (California Office of the Attorney General).

GRAPHIC COURTESY THE CITY OF IRVINE