Foreclosure Mediation Counseling offered for Lincoln County Homeowners

CSC has been awarded the contract to serve Lincoln County homeowners who are seeking pre-mediation counseling in Lincoln County. Last March, the state Legislature passed Senate bill 1552, which provides that homeowners facing a non-judicial foreclosure (i.e. not through a court proceeding) have the right to a mediation session with their mortgage holder to work out a settlement to their delinquent situation. Homeowners going to mediation must meet with a HUD approved foreclosure counselor, free of charge, prior to the mediation to go over how the process works, the options they have available regarding their mortgage, and assistance with filing the required paperwork prior to the session. Counselors may also accompany homeowners to the mediation session upon request. CSC will offer these pre-mediation counseling services to homeowners in Lincoln County.

Beginning July 11, homeowners who are in default will receive a letter from their mortgage holder explaining that the foreclosure process now includes the opportunity for mediation, where the homeowner and a representative of their mortgage holder can have a face to face meeting facilitated by a professional mediator, who is there to ensure that both sides are able to voice their concerns and come to an agreement on how the default will be handled. This process is aimed at giving the homeowner the opportunity to talk to a real person from their bank or mortgage servicing company who has decision making capability, instead of facing endless dead end phone calls and attempts to reach someone with authority at their lending institution.

Homeowners must pay $200 for the mediation session. Those who are low-income may request a waiver of this fee, and have it reduced to as low as $50. Pre-mediation and foreclosure counseling offered by CSC is free to all homeowners who request assistance, however.

Staff is being trained and will be in place to assist homeowners with pre-mediation counseling soon. In the meantime, anyone worried about possible foreclosure may call 1-866-245-1780 and speak with our HUD certified foreclosure counselor about their options.