This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: August 18, 2008 - A new online "Foreclosure Resource Center" launched by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis is aimed at financially troubled homeowners, but it also offers useful consumer advice for people who aren't in danger of losing their homes.
For example, a link titled "You May Be Paying Too Much for Your Mortgage" offers four scenarios that could prompt a borrower with a good credit history to refinance or shop around for a better deal on a loan. A section on bank-related complaints includes directions for filing complaints against financial institutions and answers to commonly asked questions about credit and loans.
The online help center can be accessed through the Fed's website. Click on the top box on the right side of the homepage, and you will be directed to the site that includes a roundup of mortgage industry-related news and research published by Fed economists.
Homeowners worried about foreclosure will find links to local housing counselors and agencies approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as suggestions for seeking help.
Help for neighborhoods
The St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank is hosting a symposium Sept. 24-25 for communities dealing with the negative impact of the foreclosure crisis.
The session titled "Strengthening Neighborhoods in Weak Markets" is aimed at helping policymakers, municipal officials, lenders and community agencies stem the tide of boarded-up houses and declining property values. The public is welcome to attend, but reservations are required. For information, call Cynthia Davis at 314-444-8761, or email communitydevelopment@stls.frb.org .
