When a house goes into foreclosure in Prince William County, it’s up to the sheriff’s office to evict the resident. But one sheriff’s deputy took a different tack: Try to help the home owners keep their house.
In response to the growing number of evictions and foreclosures in Prince William County, Sgt. Amanda Thompson “took on the task of finding a way to help these families cope with the loss of their homes and overcome their challenging situations,” Chief Deputy John Collier said.
Recommended Stories
“Sergeant Thompson was highly motivated and after a great deal of research and effort she created a resource guide that can be utilized by Prince William County citizens,” Collier said.
The pamphlet, distributed to families facing foreclosure, provides a list of reliable organizations that can help guide residents through the foreclosure process.
It also has a list of 10 ways to stay on top of finances and suggestions on how to keep your home. The list warns residents to be aware of foreclosure scams, and informs them that there are avenues other than foreclosure to take when they can’t keep up with their mortgage payments.
Bryan Felder, a Northern Virginia Realtor who recently started the Center for Foreclosure Alternatives to provide free information on avoiding foreclosure, said the pamphlet “provides good information.”
However, he said he would add more information, including a discussion or a trustworthy source to learn about the 11 options available to homeowners to prevent losing their house to the bank. Information about those options, which include short selling, refinancing, renting the property and bankruptcy, can be found at www.ctrforeclosurealt.org.
Copies of Thompson’s pamphlet can be obtained by calling the Prince William County Sheriff’s Office at 703-792-6070.
