Save Your Home: Foreclosure Prevention Workshop Scheduled for Tampa on October 25

As evidence of bank fraud escalates, homeowners facing foreclosure have options to remain in their homes. The Neighborhood Community Foundation conducts the free workshop to educate consumers about those options.

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The foreclosure epidemic in the United States is showing no sign of slowing down, especially since millions of Americans are underwater on their mortgage, owing more than their home is worth.

Facing foreclosure is stressful for families, especially if they do not full understand the process. To educate homeowners about the options that are available, the Neighborhood Community Foundation will conduct a free foreclosure prevention workshop in Tampa on October 25th  from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel, 2701 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612.

An independent, nonprofit organization based in Sarasota, the Neighborhood Community Foundation strives to help residents develop a better understanding of the foreclosure process, recognize their legal rights, and learn about their options and potential solutions so they can remain in their home.

"Many American homeowners currently in foreclosure are being victimized by fraudulent actions from lenders and/or lawyers," said David Candler Hicks, a foreclosure defense attorney who is one of the keynote speakers at the Neighborhood Community Foundation's foreclosure prevention workshops, which are held throughout Florida. "Knowledge is power, and homeowners can more effectively fight foreclosure by knowing about the process and understanding how it directly applies to their situation."

In recent months, multiple stories about foreclosure-related fraud committed by lenders have surfaced in the news. In addition, there is proposed legislation designed to help homeowners facing foreclosure.

"Lender violations are typically found in eight out of 10 reviewed loan files, but unless homeowners take legal action to defend against the foreclosure, they will not prevent the bank from repossessing the home," Hicks explained. "The volume of errors and violations on loan documents is staggering. Banks should be held to the same level of accountability as every business in America."

During the workshop Hicks will share free legal advice about the most common types of errors and violations found in loan documents and provide a full explanation of  the laws that protect homeowners when facing foreclosure eviction.  In addition, homeowners will receive information from participating non-profit agencies to help them properly assess a practical course of action for their needs.

Topics of the workshop include:

• Loan Modifications – Effective techniques that work
• Federal Foreclosure Programs – HAMP and HAFA
• Loan Audits – How to identify paperwork fraud or loan violations
• Lender paybacks – Are you eligible to receive one?
• Buy more time in your home – Simple steps to postpone your move
• Protecting against foreclosure predators
• County agency resources
• Real legal defenses
• Questions and Answers

To register for the Save Your Home Foreclosure Prevention Workshop, visit www.Neighborhood-Community.org   or call The Neighborhood Community Foundation at 877-306-5299.

SOURCE The Neighborhood Community Foundation