Help Wanted – Hiring Today
I have to say that I cannot say I am surprised in the least. Foreclosures have affected literally every state. Look at the news or read the newspaper. As the saying goes, it gets worse before it gets better. Are you asking yourself, what could I possibly mean? Let me explain what I mean. Last year every time we looked at the news, there were stories about foreclosures. There was also many stories about how mortgages were being discussed on the hill because there was too many people caught up in foreclosures. Do you think all of the adjustable rate mortgages adjusted last year? Don’t because they have not. That is why we have different options being presented such as the FHASecure and other FHA options.
Based on a story I read today, saying that a month after the Bush administration announced a plan to help troubled homeowners, one foreclosure agency needs help of its own. That is right it is overwhelmed and inundated with phone calls. I must applaud consumers that have basically taken a stand and said I need help. I want someone to help me in this situation and not continue it. They went from approximately 1500 calls per day to 3000 per day. This is the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta. They plan to hire about 130 new staff members. I must ask you if you are presently understaffed how many people go each day without the answer they need.
I say that because, I have to wonder if there are people that waited until the last minute and they are now in a do or die situation. I encourage those who are calling the foreclosure hotline to continue to call until you get the answers and direction you need. Here is an idea – if you are in the
Atlanta area, maybe you could apply for a job at the Consumer Credit Counseling Service. If they need help, they need help and could provide some training. I am not in the
Atlanta area so I do not know the specifics; however what is the worse thing that could happen. They say no! You will never know until you ask the question.
Let me share how busy they are – see this is exactly what I was talking about in the above paragraph. I went back and looked at the article; it shares that due to this agency receiving such a huge increase in calls it had to limit its services only to customers who were delinquent on their mortgage payments, then referring other customers who were not delinquent to their lenders. Were some of those customers calling because they could not get through to their lender? Does make you say hmmmmm.
If you are in a situation and need answers, do not forget that persistence and patience pays off. Take the time to make the phone calls and get through to someone who understands your specific situation. Remember you are not alone and it appears that the foreclosure hotlines are overwhelmed with callers. Think about how they feel not being able to get to everyone each day. When it is your turn, thank them for listening to you and providing some sound guidance. There is something to be said for a person having even phone etiquette no matter how dire the situation.
Dr. Taffy Wagner
