4/23/2011: Home Rescue Fair

News From New York State
Senator Shirley L. Huntley
For Immediate Release: April 28, 2011
Contact: Antonio Rodriguez | arodrigu@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531

*Press Release*

Getting The Facts About Foreclosure

(D-Jamaica) On Tuesday, April 19th at Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Saturday, April 23rd at York College.  Senator Shirley L. Huntley, Councilman Ruben Wills, and Councilman Leroy Comrie, Jr., in cooperation with the Connect Queens Campaign and many other sponsors held meetings and workshops discussing and helping educate residents about foreclosure prevention and preserving homeownership.

Southeast Queens has one of the highest foreclosure rates in New York and Senator Huntley wanted to educate and inform homeowners about the do’s and don’ts when facing an impending foreclosure.  The town hall meeting and workshop also informed guests about the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).  This program was initiated by the federal government to help eligible homeowners lower their monthly payments.

Recognizing and avoiding scams was also a topic that was discussed at length at the April 19th meeting with homeowners.  Scam artists will go to great lengths to defraud homeowners by placing ads in newspapers, the internet, radio and television, telephone poles, and even in some cases sending personalized letters to homeowners.  Some scams that people should look out for include rescue scams, rent-to-buy, and bait and switch. The attendees at the event were warned that any company promising to keep you out of foreclosure for a set fee is often illegitimate.

Several banks and mortgage companies came to the April 23rd meeting to help homeowners that included representatives from Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Homeowners were helped personally by housing counselors and loan specialists to assist them if they were facing foreclosure.

Senator Huntley reached out to hundreds of constituents through to invite and inform them about the town hall event and workshop. Increasing awareness in the community about your rights during the foreclosure process and getting accurate information will empower homeowners and hopefully save many homes.

Additional news available at www.huntley.nysenate.gov and www.facebook.com/Shirley L. Huntley
New York State Senate Email | shuntley@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531