Merced Foreclosure Workshops | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Fresno, CA People facing foreclosure went to a workshop in Merced tonight to see what, if anything, they can do to try and save their home.

About a hundred people attended Friday night's foreclosure workshop.

And for some, this is their last resort before losing their home.

"I lost my job and then we had a loss of income on our rental property."

Carrie Flores is doing everything she can to save her family's home.

"Can you tell me a little bit about what your goals are?"

She attended Friday's No Homeowner Left Behind workshop in Merced to see if she can modify her loan.

But, it's not the first time she's been through this process.

"This is actually our second home. We've already lost one to foreclosure, and this will be our primary residence."

Flores is a full time student and a stay-at-home mom.

She's already 2 months behind on her mortgage and says without a loan modification, her options are running out.

"It's terrible. Everyone wants to live the American dream and my husband and I have worked so hard and it's just frustrating."

Behind Las Vegas, Merced has the second highest foreclosure rate in the country. One in every 24 homes is in foreclosure.

And homeowners said they're desperate for help.

Marilyn Anderson said, "I'm breaking my back to work as many jobs so that it doesn't happen."

HUD certified counselor, Stephanie Vang said loan modifications vary for each lender. But that there is hope out there for people who are facing foreclosure.

"Budgeting of course is one of the number one things we always look for and I just think that you pretty much still have a job, stay connected with your lender even if you're late continue to make the payments so your house don't go into foreclosure."

Many of the counselors here tonight took the opportunity to warn people about potential scams.

They say the only person who can modify your loan is your lender.