You’ve just lost your job and day to day you have to figure out how to feed your family. Now imagine being told you have thirty days to leave your home because you have not been able to make your mortgage payments.
The Delaware County Sheriff is giving more than 300 struggling homeowners more time and more money options. Sheriff Joseph McGinn postponed this Friday's auction until July 17.
"Our goal is to help people stay in their homes," Sheriff McGinn said. "We want homeowners to get counseling and to know what options are available to them to work out their mortgage payments."
The delay will give homeowners an opportunity to keep their properties by taking advantage of loan modification, forbearance and assistance programs offered through the state's Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program.
Homeowners are being encouraged to contact one of three Consumer Credit Counseling Service offices in Delaware County to get counseling.
"Because the Council is committed to helping residents cope with the economic crisis, we presented a check to CCCS on April 29. The county contribution to CCCS funds the entire cost of an on-site credit counselor, who is bilingual," Delaware County Council Chairman Linda Cartisano said.
This opportunity comes at a good time. The number of foreclosures in Delaware County is higher than ever. In April 2008, there were 207 properties listed for Sheriff's sale compared to 247 in April 2009. In May 2008, there were 185 properties up for auction compared to 350 this month.
