Homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgage or facing foreclosure should know that there are consumer programs available to help them out. There has been a noticeable increase in notices to foreclosure and foreclosure deeds recorded in 2022, according to Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell.

 “The COVID-19 pandemic caused a great deal of upheaval in all our lives,” said O’Donnell. “Some of our neighbors have been furloughed or lost their jobs all together due to the economic impact resulting from the pandemic. In the beginning of the pandemic, policy makers at the state and federal levels recognized the impact the pandemic was having on the ability of many to pay their mortgages and rents. A moratorium was put in effect which suspended foreclosure. The moratorium expired in October 2020 but unfortunately the number of recorded foreclosure notices continues to increase.”

To help those facing issues paying their mortgage, the Registry of Deeds has partnered with several non-profit agencies by promoting their services when it comes to mortgage modification and foreclosure programs. Homeowners can contact Quincy Community Action Programs, (617) 479-8181 x-376 or NeighborWorks Housing Solutions at (508) 587-0950 x-46. Another option available is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at (617) 727-8400. Making use of funds from the recent nationwide state-federal settlement over unlawful foreclosures, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office implemented a statewide foreclosure prevention and borrower support initiative entitled HomeCorps. If you are facing foreclosure, the HomeCorps program may be able to help. Call the HomeCorps hotline at 617-573-5333.

All of these agencies provide a range of assistance from helping with the mortgage modification process, providing legal services, and offering credit counseling. For more information on these and other support options, go to the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org, click on the Support tab and then click on the subtab that mentions Foreclosure Assistance. The state website also has a page devoted to foreclosure assistance at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/preventing-foreclosure.

Register O’Donnell also warned homeowners against falling prey to for-profit companies who offer loan modification and credit counseling services but charge an exorbitant fee. “Even in these times, unscrupulous for-profit foreclosure relief and mortgage modification companies are in some cases preying on vulnerable homeowners. They make unrealistic promises and charge a lot of money for doing so. If one of these companies is telling you something that is too good to be true, it probably is. Please check out any for-profit foreclosure relief and mortgage modification company before entering into a contract with them.”