Oregon Legal Research Blog
Oregonians who are facing foreclosure on their homes – or who are attempting to avoid foreclosure – have several resources available that may be immediately helpful. In the past few years, many state/federal agencies and other organizations have partnered together in an effort to help homeowners, so some overlapping of information is to be expected. Consider looking at both regional and national sources for comprehensive options.
OREGON
State of Oregon Foreclosure Help
An extensive State resource covering many aspects, this clearinghouse provides an overview of foreclosure (what it is, how it works, judicial vs. non-judicial, mediation), summaries of Oregon’s foreclosure laws, and information for renters caught in foreclosure actions. There is also an inclusive resources guide on loan programs, mortgage payments rights, and filing a complaint against a lender.
Oregon Homeowner Support
This official website from the State of Oregon offers easy-to-read information about programs and services that can help homeowners keep their homes or limit the negative impacts of foreclosure, including prevention counseling, avoidance mediation, and legal assistance and pro bono referrals for low-income homeowners and tenants.
Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative
Oregon was one of a few states to receive federal money as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program to create foreclosure prevention programs. As of 2013, these include the Mortgage Payment Assistance program, Loan Preservation Assistance program, Loan Refinancing Assistance Pilot Project (currently Deschutes and Jackson counties only), and Rebuilding American Homeownership Assistance Pilot Program (currently Multnomah county only).
Oregon Foreclosure Avoidance Mediation Program
[additional info at Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection website]
Homeowners who have received a “Notice of Mediation” from their lender or who are at-risk of default and wish to mediate with their lender may benefit from this program established by the State’s Attorney General’s office. The structured process includes a mediator who facilitates communication with the lender and arranges for face-to-face meetings between the lender and homeowners at a neutral location.
Open Door Counseling Center
One of several HUD-approved agencies in the state (see this chart of other free and low-cost counseling agencies), the Open Door center serves Washington County residents by offering free counseling and mediation on loan modification, foreclosure prevention, and reverse mortgages.
State of Oregon Consumer Protection Mortgage and Foreclosure Fraud
The Oregon Department of Justice investigates and prosecutes the Mortgage Rescue Fraud Prevention Act and other mortgage and foreclosure rescue fraud offenses. This site provides information on avoiding mortgage and foreclosure rescue scams, and offers complaint-filing instructions for homeowners who have been victimized in a scam.
NATIONAL
Making Home Affordable
The Making Home Affordable Program is part of the Obama Administration’s broad strategy to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, stabilize the country’s housing market, and improve the nation’s economy. Programs for distressed homeowners include the Home Affordable Modification Program, Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative Program, Home Affordable Refinance Program, and the Home Affordable Unemployment Program.
Hope Now
HOPE NOW is an industry-created alliance of mortgage servicers, investors, counselors, and others that has developed a coordinated plan to help as many homeowners as possible prevent foreclosure and stay in their homes. The group offers support and guidance on options for homeowners, including military families, and conducts homeownership preservation outreach events.
Homeownership Preservation Foundation
This organization maintains the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline at 888-995-HOPE (4673), which invites homeowners with financial worries to call 24/7 for answers to foreclosure prevention questions, explanations of available state and federal mortgage relief programs, and even the facilitation of conversations with lenders.