Foreclosure Relief

In further researching the number that Bush was recommending borrowers call, 888-955-HOPE, I found that they are a non-profit agency that offers credit counseling and options to those facing foreclosure. The organization is called Homeownership Preservation Foundation. They are located at 8400 Normandale Lake Blvd. Suite 250, Minneapolis, MN 55437. They are not related to the government and no government money is used in this process. Several lenders do sponsor them through grants, one of them being Countrywide.

They have 24 hour counseling available at 888-955-HOPE; also on the web at http://www.995hope.org. They also have online counseling available when you visit their website. If you choose the online counseling, you are re-directed to a CCCS Atlanta site that is partnered with 888-995-HOPE. Their site states that they are approved by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): and the HUD approved counseling agencies' purpose is to help families understand the home purchasing process, how to get budgeting and credit problems fixed, and how to avoid predatory lending practices. Their counselors have received specialized training in the mortgage industry and are provided with certification with either the AFCPE or NFCC. You can investigate both of these last agencies at http://www.afcpe.org and http://www.nfcc.org