E-mail from ABC 12News Phoenix Reporter

[davephx]

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As I've reported ABC 12 News had done outstanding series which continues on the terrible treatment of Phoenix area folks trying to get loan mods fromj various banks. Good emotional stories we need to have in the media.

Melissa Blasius is the reporter and with every story asks folks to contact her and last week said had over 200.

Since they obvioulsy can't do a story on each situation here is the E-mail I received when I sent in my story:

"Blasius, Melissa"
12 News Response to Homeowners

Hello 12 News Viewers!

I just wanted to let you know, I have received your emails and read them. You are not alone in your struggles. There are so many homeowners in the same situation as you. I know because I’ve received more than 200 calls and emails in the last three weeks. I’ve already spoken to or run stories about some of you. Others are probably wondering why they haven’t heard anything. The truth is: I’ve received so many requests and they are so complicated, there’s no way I can get back to everyone individually. I really wish I could.

I’m working with our producers on stories for at least several more weeks. I’ll send a follow-up email or call you if we want to highlight your situation in one of our upcoming segments. I hope you’ll keep watching them. They air under the title “You Paid For It” Monday through Friday at 10 p.m..

In the meantime, I didn’t want to leave you without someplace to get immediate answers. Two free agencies that help people avoid foreclosure have offered their special assistance to 12 News viewers. They are Neighborhood Housing Services and NID Housing Counseling Agency. These agencies offer HUD-certified counselors who know the loan modification process inside and out. In addition, both Chase bank and Freddie Mac have locations in the Valley where you can have face-to-face discussions with someone to streamline your home modification process. I’ve put all their contact numbers below, along with some other resources I hope will be helpful.

Again, I wish I could personally find answers for you all, but I hope this helps a little.

12 News Partners – Free Modification Help:
NID Housing Counseling Agency: 668 N. 44th Street (602-685-1056)
Neighborhood Housing Services: 1405 E. McDowell, Suite 100 (602-258-1659)

For Face-to-Face Lender help on Loan Modifications:

Chase Customers - Homeownership Centers
Website for more info: https://www.chase.com/chf/mortgage/hrm_centers
Phoenix: 2501 W. Dunlap (602-943-7013)
Tempe: 444 W. Broadway (480-966-3101)

Freddie Mac Loans – Borrower Help Centers
Find out if Freddie Mac owns your mortgage: https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/
Website for more info: Freddie Mac, Non-Profit Groups Team up to Help Discouraged Borrowers Pursue Loan Modifications - News Archive - Freddie Mac
Phoenix Neighborhood Housing Services: 1405 E. McDowell, Suite 100 (602-258-1659)
Chicanos por la Causa : 1112 East Washington, Suite 102 (602-253-0838)

Other Phone Numbers for Free Help:

Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Hotline:
1-877-448-1211
To find a HUD-approved, free housing counseling service:
1-800-569-4287

Other websites to learn more about modifications:

Federal refinancing and modification programs
Consumers’ Making Home Affordable Program Website:
Making Home Affordable - Home
Banks’ Making Home Affordable Program Website:
https://www.hmpadmin.com/portal/index.html

Arizona Attorney General:
Comprehensive advice for homeowners:
Arizona Attorney General, Terry Goddard
File a complaint about your lender or a foreclosure rescue scam:
Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard

Fannie Mae Homeowner Help Website:
Homeowners - Refinance or Modify Your Loan, Avoid Fraud | Fannie Mae

HUD Foreclosure Avoidance Website:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Sincerely,

Melissa Blasius
12 News Reporter
1101 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
mblasius@kpnx.com
602-261-6107 (office)

[davephx]

I would add there are reports that the Chase Center was not very helpful. Seems more for good PR to open these in many cities but really aren't that helpful.

12News is trying to help and at least getting great media exposure for the problems with so many reports of losing paperwork we all know too well etc. At least the other side is being heard.

All the HUD counselors in the world can't help if the servicers aren't following HAMP directives, losing our paperwork many times and come up with nonsense reasons for denial.

The more media attention on this the better and it is being picked up both in local media and nationally.

The only real solution is pressure on Congress (especially the party of no) do pass a HANP law. And especially to halt foreclosure sale while the mess is going on for those trying desperately to stay in their homes.

[drraz]

She came to my home on Friday and filmed me and my sister. The segments aired on Tues and Wed nights (3-2 and 3-3-10). Those links will take you to the video of the story if you want to see it.

What she didn't say on the 2nd segment, with my sister Rochelle, was that she had completed her trial HAMP program, and tanked her 820 FICO score as a result, but THEN was told that her 'special group' of investors don't allow modifications. It wasn't just that she didn't qualify for income reasons or whatever, she was snaked by the bank.

We both have Wells Fargo mortgages, btw.

[zander]

This is great coverage and hopefully will give some other avenues to pursue. I would suggest enlisting help if at all possible (lawyer/hope..) as trying to get some of this info directly from servicer would be nearly impossible. Good luck to you and your sister drraz..