NCRaider,
NACA has come through for lots of folks w/ better deals than they would have gotten on their own. I do support and believe in NACA and its mission. Having said that, my experience with it was less than satisfying also. I'm in so cal. The closest office to me was L.A. I did the workshop there. It was a spanish speaking one (I'm not bilingual, but they told me it was ok to attend that one
). So I attended to do what was required to get the help. I met a nice English speaking agent there that I discussed housing issues w/ throughout the seminar. He got me through the process. After the required seminar, although I was one of the first one's in line to talk to a NACA rep, they then announced folks would be seen by letter of last name. So, I was pushed back in the process. It was an unorganized, madhouse w/ everyone speaking in Spanish (only). After doing the in-person process at the seminar, they informed a NACA counselor would call me for an appt. I later found out that that would takes 2-3 mos. I wasn't happy about that. The NACA phone system and/or the folks who answered were a nightmare. I left several msgs. No one ever returned my calls. So, I was not impressed with NACA from a first-hand account. It's an overwhelmed, grass-roots organization that means well, but is not a consistently well-oiled machine re customer service (IMO). Hey, it's free. So, folks can't really complain. And, I'm sure some offices/locations are better than others. The L.A. office caters to the Hispanic population. It was the closest office for me. I think they now do tel consults for folks who are too far away, but a year ago I don't think they were doing that. But, most folks love it (even if the process was not the best) if they were able to get a good deal in the end. But, for those like you, who feel it didn't help at all, I can understand your deep disappointment and frustration. I walked away from the process as I decided to short sell or walk. I'm too underwater.
Good luck. Keep us posted.