From KETC, LIVING ST. LOUIS Producer Anne-Marie Berger visits the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood in North St. Louis where Habitat for Humanity is building homes with affordable mortgages for families in need. In 2008, this non-profit organization plans to move 27 families into affordable housing with the goal of building 50 homes a year by 2015.
From KETC, LIVING ST. LOUIS Producer Jim Kirchherr visits South St. Louis, one of the first communities in the area to see a dramatic rise in foreclosures. In the Dutchtown neighborhood, many of the properties that are owned by rehabbers and investors have fallen into disrepair.
On July 15, 2008, KETC's Ruth Ezell hosted Facing the Mortgage Crisis, a one-hour live, call-in show that discussed mortgage and foreclosure issues faced by St. Louis area homeowners. The panel of mortgage experts included: Malik Ahmed, Better Family Life; Dan Claggett, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri; Linda Ingram, Beyond Housing; Eric Madkins, Urban League.
From KETC, Living St. Louis Producer Jim Kirchherr visits Pagedale, a community in North St. Louis County where the recent economic situation has lead to rising foreclosures. As part of KETC's "Facing the Mortgage Crisis" project, Jim also attends a free foreclosure clinic in Jefferson County, where residents learn about resources available for assistance in facing their mortgage problems.
The St. Louis region is among the areas hard hit by the mortgage crisis, with a higher foreclosure rate than the national average. If you or someone you know are affected by the mortgage crisis, Channel 9 along with a network of other trusted nonprofit organizations can connect people with the help they need.
From KETC's Facing the Mortgage Crisis special on July 15, 2008: What are some of the different types of scams that have been noted? Common mortgage scams to watch out for include the lease-back or repurchase scam, refinance fraud and various bankruptcy schemes. To avoid scams, make sure that you read everything thoroughly and have a professional go over it as well.
St. Louis resident Chris Gatewood sat down with Bennice Jones King, alderwoman for St. Louis' 21 Ward, and asked her about what she thinks the government?both local and national?can do to help the people of St. Louis deal with the current mortgage crisis.
From KETC's Facing the Mortgage Crisis special on July 15, 2008: How many people have been getting in trouble with "easy credit" scams? There are mortgage and credit scams nationwide. Large banks and companies see money to be made by homeowners facing foreclosure and use high pressure tactics to prey upon these people in need.
From KETC's Facing the Mortgage Crisis special on July 15, 2008: Is there a way to get my home back after foreclosure? The options are limited, but it's not entirely impossible.
From KETC's Facing the Mortgage Crisis special on July 15, 2008: If you can no longer pay your adjustable rate mortgage, is it possible to call your lender and change your payments? Yes, definitely call your lender. There is no reason to allow an adjustable rate mortgage to go beyond your ability to pay.
From KETC's Facing the Mortgage Crisis special on July 15, 2008: What is the Missouri process for foreclosures? Missouri is a non-judicial foreclosure state where it isn't necessary to go to court before a home is foreclosed upon. The homeowner receives only 20 days notice before their property is put up for sale.
From KETC's Facing the Mortgage Crisis special on July 15, 2008: What are some of the programs that the Urban League and Eastern Services of Missouri offer? The Urban League offers housing counseling that works with mortgage companies to prevent foreclosure. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri represents low-income borrowers that are faced with the possibility of losing their homes.
