Housing and Human Services Assists in Foreclosure Prevention

The Housing and Human Services Department, along with the Irving Housing Finance Corporation (IHFC), offer programs such as foreclosure intervention and debt management, and provide first-time homebuyer education classes to assist Irving residents.

Foreclosure Intervention and Debt Management
Families in danger of losing their homes will receive counseling, and staff will work with lenders to develop payment plans and other means to help keep families in their homes. Recent legislation may provide assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure. For details, visit www.foreclosure-support.com.

First-Time Homebuyer Classes
In first-time homebuyer education classes, prospective homebuyers learn about costs associated with owning a home. Participants also receive one-on-one counseling from homebuyer assistance specialists concerning savings, budgeting and debt reduction. Occasionally, prospective homebuyers are referred to credit counseling and encouraged to develop a plan to be ready for a mortgage in 90 days, six months or a year, depending on the severity of the issue. Estimated monthly payments are calculated using expected increases to property values including escrow for taxes and fees.

Homeownership Workshop
In addition to these programs, residents are invited to attend a free Homeownership Preservation Workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 8 at Plymouth United Methodist Church, 1615 W. Airport Freeway. The event is sponsored by the Irving Community Development Corporation.

For more information, call (972) 721-4800.


Posted Nov. 10