Tips for avoiding foreclosure

AVOIDING FORECLOSURE

What to watch and do

Some conditions that can lead to financial problems and foreclosure, and numbers to call if you need guidance:

WHAT TO WATCH

Adjustable rate mortgages which start out at a “teaser” rate and reset higher later.

Predatory lending practices that generally involve promises of home improvements or debt consolidation, and may involve unrealistically high income statements and property appraisals.

Getting behind on the utilities and deeply in debt to credit card companies.

Financial problems brought on by illness.

Paying large amounts of money to help children and grandchildren.

Getting into debt with credit cards or cash advance companies.

Showing too little restraint in buying habits.

CALL FOR HELP

In Mahoning County, call Jamael Tito Brown, who heads the Save Our Homes Task Force, at (330) 740-2460, ext. 7767.

In Trumbull County, call Julie Green in the county planning commission office at (330) 675-2480.

In Columbiana County, call Nicholas Barborak in the county treasurer’s office at (330) 424-9514, ext. 1401.

Ohio also has a new Web site to help people dealing with foreclosures at www.savethedream.ohio.gov.