Martin O'Malley GOVERNOR Anthony G. Brown LT. GOVERNOR Clarence J. Snuggs ACTING SECRETARY HOPE...
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Martin O'Malley GOVERNOR Anthony G. Brown LT. GOVERNOR Clarence J. Snuggs ACTING SECRETARY HOPE QUARTERLY MEETING October 9, 2014
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Transcript of Martin O'Malley GOVERNOR Anthony G. Brown LT. GOVERNOR Clarence J. Snuggs ACTING SECRETARY HOPE...
Martin O'Malley
GOVERNOR
Anthony G. Brown
LT. GOVERNOR
Clarence J. Snuggs
ACTING SECRETARY
HOPE QUARTERLY MEETING
October 9, 2014
Foreclosure Prevention Team
Reginald StanfieldDirector, Community Programs
410-514-7209
Virginia TepperDirector, Data & Technology Resources
410-514-7359
Karen AshbyAssistant Director, Community [email protected]
Foreclosure Prevention Team
Emilie DrasherProgram Manager(410) [email protected]
Josephine SelvakumarProgram Manager(410) [email protected]
→ Welcome and Introductions
→ DHCD Statewide Foreclosure Data
→ DHCD Updates
→ DHCD Outreach and Events
→ Updates from DLLR and OAG
→ Announcement of Maryland Foreclosure Counseling Guide
→ Foreclosure Mediation Brief Advice Project
→ Neighborhood Stabilization and Homeownership Workgroup
→ Working Lunch (Novadebt Presentation and NFMC Portal Training for New Grantees)
→ Tax Sale Foreclosure Presentation
→ HUD Certification – Fair Housing
Today’s Agenda
Statewide Foreclosure
Data
Foreclosure Data – Court Filings
Foreclosure Data – Averages2012, 2013 and 2014
Total OTDs Mediation Eligible OTDs
Mediation Requests
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
1,355
968
261
2,568
1,890
432
2,073 2,026
367
201220132014
Foreclosure Data by County FY15 Jurisdiction
Total OTDs
Eligible OTDs
Mediation Requests
% EligibleParticipation
RateAllegany 38 31 4 82% 13%Anne Arundel 382 302 64 79% 21%Baltimore City 580 500 64 86% 13%Baltimore County 566 474 81 84% 17%Calvert 87 67 13 77% 19%Caroline 35 39 12 111% 31%Carroll 89 78 14 88% 18%Cecil 77 77 14 100% 18%Charles 166 142 25 86% 18%Dorchester 41 42 4 102% 10%Frederick 156 150 30 96% 20%Garrett 11 6 2 55% 33%Harford 214 140 23 65% 16%Howard 136 107 23 79% 21%Kent 23 18 2 78% 11%Queen Anne's 51 38 8 75% 21%Somerset 26 17 1 65% 6%St. Mary's 68 7 10 10% 143%Talbot 20 19 5 95% 26%Washington 141 104 11 74% 11%Wicomico 82 75 13 91% 17%Worcester 66 51 9 77% 18%Prince George's 1042 880 161 84% 18%Montgomery 331 250 96 76% 38%TOTAL 4428 3614 689 82% 19%
NOI Data
Days Past Due
# of NOIs %
Avg. Days Delinquent
<=30 1,053 19% 18
31-60 1,475 26% 48
60-90 911 16% 73
90-360 1010 18% 203
360-720 318 6% 534
>720 845 15% 1,593
August 2014
Housing Counseling Clients and Outcomes
http://www.statestat.maryland.gov/reports.html
Housing Counseling E-Newsletter
o Wait Time Survey Link
o Registration for meetings and trainings
o Reminders for reporting
o Upcoming events
o Program and grant updates and announcements
o Complaint submission forms
o And more!
Foreclosure Relief Home Repurchasing Program
AKA SUN Initiative• Grant agreements are being processed• Reporting will be through the DHCD Portal
(similar to monthly and NFMC reporting)• Once information is verified with SUN, DHCD will
reimburse agencies for packages “approved to negotiate”
Questions ?
DHCD UPDATES: NFMCComplianceHomeowner Requests
for Assistance NFMC/MHCF Reporting
NFMC
• The performance period for Round 8 is
Oct 1, 2013 to Dec 31, 2014
• Funding Announcement for Round 9 will be released in mid-October
• Round 8- very low intakes
• Grantees must enter at least 50 clients by Oct 10, 2014 to be eligible to participate in Round 9
NFMC Compliance Review
Responsibilities and Expectations:•Grantees chosen for remote compliance
review by Neighbor Works were notified by DHCD though emails
•NFMC and MHM- Review results and findings
NFMC Compliance Review
• Legal Service Providers should coordinate with Housing Counseling Agencies in providing the Neighborworks requested
documents
NFMC Agreement
• Section-8.6. Monitoring: Grantee shall assist the Department and make itself available for the carrying out the Department’s quality control and compliance measures, which may include site visits, file audits, and other measures to ensure compliance with the terms of this Agreement. By accepting this Grant, the Grantee warrants its understanding that the Department’s right of inspection.
NFMC Compliance Review
•Grantees will be provided cover sheets to separate each of the required documents for the client file review
•NFMC Compliance Resources: HTTP://NFMCMEMBERS.ORG
NFMC Compliance Review
Source: NFMC Quality Control & Compliance WebEx
Special Notes About Round 8
•Grantees should provide translation services to NFMC counseling clients that require and/or request it
• Submit verification of your agency’s translation services for its NFMC counseling clients as part of the start-up documentation requirement
Duplicate Reset
• Any client who received counseling services prior to January 1, 2014 will be eligible to be counseled again by an NFMC Grantee on or after January 1, 2014 at any level
• Intake date must be after 01/01/2014
NFMC Level 1 Counseling Defined
Level 1 Counseling - All of these completed documents must be in client file:
1. Intake – DHCD Portal, CMS, or HOPE LOAN PORT®
2. Signed Authorization with NFMC languagenot credit authorization or mortgage authorization
3. Budget
4. Action Plan – NFMC Compliance Worksheet
5. Screen for Making Home Affordable. Documentation that a screening occurred for each type of available assistance should be included in the Action Plan and client file.
.
NFMC Level 2 Counseling Defined
Level 2 Counseling - These completed documents must be in client file:
1. Signed Authorization with NFMC language
2. Verified budget (income and debt)
3. Documentation of Action Plan
4. Close-out documentation
(No longer required)
Compliance and Monitoring
• Program Time Frames
• Client File Requirements• Reporting Dates• Random Review Process• Findings - Follow up• NFMC Member Site
www.nfmcmembers.org
• NFMC Monthly WebEx
Process for Homeowner Requests for Assistance (aka “LIDS” or “Governor’s Letters”)
Complaint from Homeowner
Referral to Housing Counseling Agencies/ Legal Service Providers
Grantee’s response to DHCD
Reporting
•NFMC and MHCF/AG- Combined Reporting
•NFMC- New Final Reporting Template
NFMC and MHCF/AG Combined Reporting
NFMC and MHCF/AG Combined Reporting
NFMC and MHCF/AG Combined Reporting
NFMC and MHCF/AG Combined Reporting
NFMC and MHCF/AG Combined Reporting
Counselor’s Webpage
NFMC Program – Counselor’s Websitehttp://mdhope.dhcd.maryland.gov/Counseling/Pages/CounselorsPortal.aspx
• Sample Client Satisfaction Survey Form• Sample NFMC Intake Form• NFMC: Making Home Affordable - Outreach and Intake Project• NFMC: Events of Default and Remedies Policy• NFMC Action Plan Template• NFMC Quality Control and Compliance Worksheet• Sample Authorization Form & Privacy Statement• National Industry Standards Code of Ethics• MD DHCD NFMC Required Documentation• MHA Checklist 10-2012
Key Points to Remember
• Adherence to the Industry Standards• Translation Service Form and Signed Ethics to
[email protected]• Review NFMC requirements• Compliance with Housing Counseling Standards• Make links with Legal Service Providers• Send us updated contact information• Communicate with DHCD about what is going on in
your agency
Important Dates to Remember
•Wait Time Reports - 5th and 20th
•Monthly Reports - 5th
•Next Quarterly Report - Oct 10th
•NFMC R8 Client (at least 50 clients) Portal Intake - Oct 10th
Effectiveness of Counseling
•Counseling greatly increased a homeowner’s ability to cure a serious delinquency or foreclosure
•Counseled homeowners were about 1.5 times more likely to not have their mortgage re-enter a troubled status after receiving a loan modification cure
Effectiveness of Counseling
•Counseled homeowners are nearly three times as likely to receive a loan modification cure compared to non- counseled homeowners
DHCD Office of Community Outreach
Updates from DLLR and the Office of the
Attorney General
Maryland’s Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation:
Info for HOPE Grantees
Meredith Mishaga, Director of Foreclosure Outreach
October 9, 2014
About Office of Commissioner of Financial Regulation (“Fin Reg”)
“The Office of Financial Regulation protects consumers by ensuring the soundness of financial institutions in the State, licensing financial industry professionals, and disciplining businesses and individuals engaged in fraudulent financial activities.”
More info on website http://www.dllr.state.md.us/finance/index.shtml and Maryland Manual http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/20dllr/html/20agen.html#financial
My Role at Fin Reg
• Data – NOI database and FPR oversight, analysis of consumer complaints
• Coordination – with nonprofit providers, industry advocates, other government entities
• Outreach – directly and indirectly to Maryland homeowners
• Inquiries – respond to consumers and/or their nonprofit or legal representatives (on foreclosure-related matters)
Relationship with Service Providers
• Feedback on regulations and policy
• Insight on trends and industry-wide concerns
• Tracking and resolving complaints
• Resources on our website for all to use (e.g. NOI reports, consumer advisories, industry advisories, enforcement actions, regulations, etc.) http://www.dllr.state.md.us/finance/frresources.shtml
Submitting Complaints to Fin Reg• When is it appropriate?
– Only have jurisdiction over our licensees– Egregious or repeat issues– Specific violations of state regulation
• Why is it important? – Resolution for homeowner– Trend recognition and analysis for making regs– More proactive “risk-based” examinations
• What is the process?– See handout with link and instructions– Still need to work with homeowner on loss mit (investigation won’t stop
foreclosure process) – Goes to Consumer Services Unit– Scams/Fraud escalate to Enforcement Unit
Info on Citi Settlement• 2014 settlement between Citigroup, U.S. Dept of Justice, several state AGs,
and FDIC related to residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS)
• No direct payments to borrowers who were foreclosed-upon
• Required to pay out $2.5 billion in consumer relief nationwide – crediting starts April 30, 2014– “Soft relief”, i.e. incentives for modifications, forbearance, forgiveness – LMI lending in form of down payment/closing cost assistance– Community reinvestment and neighborhood stabilization
(demolitions, REO donations, CDFI capitalization funding)– Donations to HUD-approved housing counseling agencies and legal
assistance organizations (minimum donations are $10 million to counseling and $15 million to legal nationwide)
– Affordable rental housing financing for developments equivalent to LIHTC requirements
Maryland Foreclosure Counseling Guide
This guide is intended to be a central resource and tool for counselors providing foreclosure intervention counseling.
The guide was developed through a partnership between the Baltimore Homeownership Preservation Coalition and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development with support of The Abell Foundation.
Foreclosure Mediation Brief Advice Project
Foreclosure Mediation Brief Advice Project
The Foreclosure Mediation Brief Advice Project is a program that provides FREE brief legal consultations for homeowners
facing foreclosure who do not have legal representation.
Foreclosure Mediation Brief Advice Attorneys will:Answer questions about foreclosure mediationGive legal advice regarding your foreclosureHelp you understand court papers and documents you
received regarding your foreclosure
Mondays and Wednesdays: 8:00AM – 4:30PM (No new intakes accepted after 4PM)
Office of Administrative HearingsAdministrative Law Building
11101 Gilroy RoadHunt Valley, Maryland 21031
Neighborhood Stabilization and Homeownership
Workgroup
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NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION &H0MEOWNERSHIP WORKGROUP (NSHO)A workgroup of the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission at
the request of House Speaker Michael E. Busch
Goals:
To understand the impact of the financial crisis on historically owner-occupied neighborhoods AND to identify resources, strategies and recommendations to preserve the stability of neighborhoods and promote homeownership in these neighborhoods.
To understand the impact of changes in the banking industry and the development and real estate environment on neighborhoods, families, homeownership and the local tax base AND to recommend strategies to mitigate negative impacts.
Goal:
We want to benefit from your perspective and expertise in housing and neighborhood revitalization in order to:
…Establish or refine priorities for investing in homeownership and home improvement as a vehicle for neighborhood stabilization in Maryland.
…Understand how changes in the lending and real estate development environments are affecting your communities as well as how to mitigate negative effects.
ICE BREAKER:
Imagine you have been granted one wish by the Maryland General Assembly, what would you make happen?
ISSUES TO EXPLORE…
I. How have things changed? Remember back to pre-Great Recession (pre-2007’ish)…
A. What is different NOW with respect to the status of homeowners, homeownership or neighborhood stability, positive or negative
…starting with homeowners…homeownership…home improvement/rehab…neighborhoods?
ISSUES TO EXPLORE…
I. How do you think things have changed? Remember back to pre-Great Recession (pre-2007’ish).
B. What is different NOW with respect to the mortgage lending environment and housing and real estate development/rehab environment, positive or negative
…mortgage lending?…real estate investment/rehabilitation
ISSUES TO EXPLORE…
II. A. What do you think are the CHIEF BARRIERS now to achieving or encouraging homeownership and home investment?
…for consumers…for local government advocates…for local nonprofit advocates…for the private sector builders/rehabbers…for lenders…for other stakeholders?
ISSUES TO EXPLORE…
II. B.. What are the CHIEF BARRIERS now to achieving or encouraging neighborhood stabilization /revitalization?
…to consumers…to local government advocates…to nonprofit advocates…to the private sector builders/rehabbers…to lenders…other stakeholders?
ISSUES TO EXPLORE…
III. A. What are the CHIEF OPPORTUNITIES now to achieving or encouraging homeownership and home investment ? What’s working in your community?
B. What stakeholders and partners are needed to make this work? Are they on board/in place?
C. Who should be the main targets demographically?…for new homeownership…for housing rehab
ISSUES TO EXPLORE…
III. A. What are the CHIEF OPPORTUNITIES now to achieving or encouraging neighborhood revitalization/stabilization? What’s working in your community?
B. What stakeholders and partners are needed to make this work? Are they on board/in place?
ISSUES TO EXPLORE…
IV. Tools available from the stateA. What DHCD programs do you use or know about to
encourage homeownership and home investment?
--strengths/weaknesses?
B. What DHCD programs do you use or know about to encourage neighborhood revitalization/stabilization?
--strengths/weaknesses?
PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER…
V. What should the priorities be?
…To encourage Homeownership…To encourage Home Investment/rehab?…To encourage Neighborhood Stability…To mitigate changes in the Banking Industry…To mitigate changes in the Real Estate/Development Environment
NEXT STEPS…
ResearchWorkgroup DiscussionReport to the SG Commission Recommendations from SGC to the Maryland General Assembly
Lunch!
Novadebt Presentation
Our MissionNovadebt, a non-profit
organization, is committed to assisting families and individuals in need by providing free financial education, community
outreach and housing and credit counseling services; all with compassion and the
utmost commitment to quality and integrity.
1
Novadebt, A Garden State Consumer Credit Counseling Organization, is a non- profit, social service, financial management agency that was founded in February, 1991.
We are a national organization. Our headquarters is located in Freehold, New Jersey. We also have 9 satellite locations in California, Nevada, Minnesota, Texas, North Carolina, Illinois, Maryland and Michigan that provide face to face and telephone counseling.
Novadebt is recognized by the United States Government as a charitable organization under 501 (c) (3) of the IRS code.
In January 2013, we were approved as a HUD National Intermediary. Novadebt was initially approved by HUD as Local Housing Counseling Agency in New Jersey in March of 2003. As our housing counseling services expanded, we became HUD approved as a Multi-State Organization in March of 2009.
Organization Highlights
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• We have been a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) since November 2011.
• Novadebt is nationally approved by the Executive Office for United States Trustees to provide Pre-Bankruptcy Counseling and the Debtor Education Course to consumers filling for bankruptcy protection.
• In 2011 Novadebt became accredited to the Council on Accreditation’s (COA) Eighth Edition Standards. COA's Eighth Edition Standards help organization's to enhance growth and stability through a commitment to comply with human service standards.
• In 2013, Novadebt added Student Loan Counseling to its service offering.
Organization Highlights
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Housing Counseling Services• Pre-purchase Counseling
• High Cost Home Loan Counseling
• FHA Back to Work Counseling
• Default and Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
• Post Modification Financial Coaching
• HECM Counseling
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Maryland Hope Hotline
• Joined September 2014
• Office located in Owings Mills
• Service Howard County and Baltimore
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Other Services• Budget Counseling
• Debt Management Program
• Student Loan Counseling
• Pre-Bankruptcy Counseling
• Bankruptcy Debtor Education
• Financial Education
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Financial EducationThe first type of education program that our agency offers is the education information provided during a counseling session. Once an analysis of the situation is determined, counselors provide information on a variety of topics in accordance with the individual client’s needs.
Financial education is the core of our mission and is provided at no cost through workshops and community events. We are involved with over 200 social service agencies nationwide. Monthly workshops and seminar/conference exhibits are facilitated for the members of the community along with various non-profit, social service groups to provide knowledge to those who might otherwise not receive such guidance.
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Workshops
• ABC’s of Credit
• Taking Control of Your Financial Life
• Dealing with Finances While Unemployed
• Preparing to Buy a Home
• College Students
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Counselor CertificationCounselors are required to take a course administered through a third party, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Upon receipt of the course material, counselors are required to take and pass an exam per financial module within the course within six months of their start date. Once the counselor passes the exams, they have fulfilled the standard requirement and the NFCC designates the counselor as a Certified Credit Counselor and Certified Housing Counselor accordingly. All results are provided to the organization for tracking and monitoring purposes.
As per the requirements for maintaining the certification by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, our counselors are required to maintain a minimum of 20 professional development units (PDUs) bi-annually. Counselors can earn PDUs through approved classes held in-house at Novadebt and via approved external courses. Classes vary and are finance and/or industry related. Counselors may also earn PDUs through outside training and/or conferences as well. The NFCC will audit Certified Credit Counselors biannually to ensure PDU requirements have been met prior to issuing a certificate of re-certification. In addition, the organization maintains records of all professional development units to ensure counselors maintain certification.
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Questions
Tax Sale Foreclosure Presentation
Tax Sales
Susan Francis, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS)
443-451-4084; [email protected]
Margaret Henn, Pro Bono Resource Center (PBRC)
443-703-3050; mhenn@probonomd,org
What’s the Big Deal with Tax Sales When a homeowner loses their house to tax
sale, they lose all the equity in the property Most of our clients have their homes paid for, and
are losing their homes for less than $1,000 or $2,000 delinquent tax or water bills.
The purchaser at the tax sale auction takes the entire property, there is no equity returned to the homeowner.
Homeowners with reverse mortgages are at particular risk, since most don’t include an escrow account to pay these bills.
When is a House at Risk of Tax Sale? Tax
“any tax, or charge of any kind… that by law is a lien against the real property on which it is imposed or assessed” Includes interest, penalties & service charges
Amount Delinquent - $250 or more
Baltimore City – water bill - $350 & 3 quarters delinquent
Handout – local information
Timing Depends on county, but generally late paying
annual or bi-annual tax bills.
Notice to Homeowner Homeowner should receive notice at least 30 days
before the house is placed into tax sale auction. Homeowner should also receive notice after the
sale. Within 60 days after tax sale, collector must send
property owner notice. Contents
Statement that property has been sold Date of tax sale Amount of bid Lien amount at time of sale Statement that owner has right to redeem Statement that foreclosure action can occur at 6 months Amount for current redemption, after 4 months, and 6 months
Homeowner Has Right to Redeem, But…
Right of Redemption Property owner has right to redeem until right has
been foreclosed Legal process – Complaint to Foreclosure the Right to
Redeem Can’t be filed until at least 6 months after the tax sale
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ For a homeowner to redeem the property, they
must pay in entirety (no partial payments): Total lien amount paid at tax sale with interest Taxes, interest and penalties paid by certificate
holder (person who purchased at tax sale auction) Taxes, interest and penalties accruing after tax sale
date Interest –
6% or as fixed by City Council/Govt. Entity Baltimore City – 18%. Montgomery & Prince George’s – 20% Counties – in handout
But wait there’s more…
4 months after tax sale, but before an action to foreclose has been filed (can occur at 6 month mark), purchaser may be reimbursed for:
Recording costs Title search fee (maximum $250) Postage and certified mailing costs for notices Reasonable attorney’s fees (maximum $500)
These fees are added on top of existing charges
And then…
If foreclosure action has been filed (at least 6 months after tax sale), purchaser may be reimbursed for: Attorney’s fees
$1,300 if compliance affidavit hasn’t been filed $1,500 if compliance affidavit filed Other reasonable fees specifically requested, case by case
basis
With affidavit that expenses were incurred: Filing fee with court Service of process fee Title search (max. $250). If 2nd title search conducted
more than 6 months after 1st search, then an update fee (max. $75)
Publication fee Posting fee Postage and certified mail
These are all cumulative fees, meaning that a $500 tax lien can cost a homeowner several thousand dollars to be able to save their house.
Fixing amount necessary for redemption If redemption occurs after an action to foreclose
has begun, and the redemption amount is disputed, the homeowner may ask the court to determine the amount necessary to redeem
Rights during redemption period Homeowner continues to have possession of
property until the right of redemption has been foreclosed (this requires court action) and homeowner is formally evicted from property.
Complaints to foreclose right of redemption Timing – Any time after 6 months from tax sale
date Notice to Homeowner Prior to Filing
Statement – certificate of sale issuance Copy of certificate of sale Statement – right to redeem Statement of timing Statement of redemption costs Name, address & telephone number of certificate
holder/agent/ attorney
What Can You Do? Priority #1 – Keep homeowner out of tax sale!!
If mortgage, make sure lender is aware of pending tax sale Usually lender will pay to avoid losing their interest in the
property Utilize any available resources, credits, etc.
Will discuss in next section If the homeowner believes they have been misbilled, have
them challenge it as soon as possible If homeowner doesn’t avoid tax sale, refer to MVLS (443-
451-4067 – same # as foreclosure line) or Legal Aid of Baltimore City (800-999-8904). Limited legal assistance
Review process to make sure followed appropriately Negotiate with purchaser Determine if Chapter 13 bankruptcy is an option Help homeowner file for bid surplus if applicable
Tax Sale Prevention Resources
Baltimore City Department of Finance 410-396-3987 Abel Wolman Municipal Building200 Holiday StreetBaltimore, MD 21202
For questions about the status of your property tax bill.
www.bidbaltimore.com For information about this year’s tax sale. (It is free to create a username and password.)
Department of Assessments and Taxation410-767-2165301 West Preston Street, Room 900Baltimore, MD 21201
For information about the Homeowner’s Property Tax Credit or the Homestead Tax Credit. These credits could lower your tax bill if you are eligible.
Baltimore City Resource Guide for Tax Sale and Tax Foreclosure
Property Tax Bill Questions & Credits
Department of Public Works(Water Bill Issues)410-396-5398Abel Wolman Municipal Building200 Holiday StreetBaltimore, MD 21202
For incorrect water bills, request an informal conference from the Department of Public Works. For water leaks, request a credit from the Department of Public Works. To apply for the Senior Citizens Water Discount submit an application to the Department of Public Works.
BGE(Electric Bills)410-685-2200 or410-396-5555www.bge.com
For information about assistance paying my electric bill.
Baltimore City Housing Department LIGHT Program410-396-3023www.baltimorehousing.org/ghsh_light
For information about housing repairs to help address high water bills, energy efficiency issues, or other housing related problems.
Utility Bills & Assistance
Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore410-327-1200 ext. 104819 Park Ave.Baltimore, MD 21201http://www.nhsbaltimore.org/lending/tax-sale.php
For information about a loan program to help pay your property taxes or water bill.
Maryland Access Point410-396-2273http://www.marylandaccesspoint.info/
For information about your housing options.
Benefit CentersMonday – Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
For information about public benefits. Southeast Community Action Center: 410-545-6510Eastern Community Action Center: 410-545-0136Northwest Community Action Center: 443-984-1384Southern Community Action Center: 410-545-0900Northern Community Action Center: 410-396-6084
Assistance with Public Benefits & Alternative Housing Options
Financial Assistance
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service443-451-4067http://www.mvlslaw.org/
For free legal assistance with a tax sale or tax foreclosure matter for income eligible clients.
Legal Aid Bureau800-999-8904http://www.mdlab.org/
For free legal assistance with a tax sale or tax foreclosure matter for income eligible clients
Maryland Attorney General’s Office Consumer Hotline410-528-8662
For complaints about reverse mortgage fraud or other types of consumer fraud.
Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland443-703-3052www.probonomd.org/
For a free brief consultation about a tax sale matter, information and referral.
Legal Resources
What Resources Are Available in Your Community? Statewide Resources
Homestead Tax Credit“To help homeowners deal with large assessment increases on their principal residence, state law has established the Homestead Property Tax Credit. The Homestead Credit limits the increase in taxable assessments each year to a fixed percentage. Every county and municipality in Maryland is required to limit taxable assessment increases to 10% or less each year. View a listing of homestead caps for each local government. ” (Maryland.gov)
Application: https://sdathtc.resiusa.org/
Homestead Tax Credit Cont.
$100,000
2013 2014
$120,000
• 20% increase in value triggers the homestead credit (more than 10%)
• 10% increase in value would be $110,000. Homeowner gets a credit on any tax paid on the value of the house above $110,000.
Statewide Resources Cont. Homeowner’s Property Tax Credit“The State of Maryland has developed a program which allows credits against the homeowner's property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the person's gross income. In other words, it sets a limit on the amount of property taxes any homeowner must pay based upon his or her income.” (Maryland.gov) FAQs http://
www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html Application: http://
www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/HTC-60.pdf
Homeowners Property Tax Credit Cont. You must own or have a legal interest in the property. The dwelling on which you are seeking the tax credit
must be your principal residence where you live at least six months of the year, including July 1, unless you are a recent home purchaser or unless you are unable to do so because of your health or need of special care.
Your net worth, not including the value of the property on which you are seeking the credit or any qualified retirement savings or Individual Retirement Accounts, must be less than $200,000.
Your combined gross household income cannot exceed $60,000.
(Maryland.gov)
Homeowner’s Property Tax Credit Guidelines
Household Income
Tax Limit
$1 - 8,000 $0
9,000 40
10,000 80
11,000 120
12,000 160
13,000 225
14,000 290
15,000 355
16,000 420
17,000 510
18,000 600
19,000 690
20,000 780
21,000 870
22,000 960
23,000 1050
24,000 1140
25,000 1230
26,000 1320
27,000 1410
28,000 1500
29,000 1590
30,000 1,680
and up to a maximumof $60,000
*
Statewide Resources Cont. Legal Resources
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (443-451-4067)
Maryland Legal Aid Bureau (800-999-8904) To Report Fraud: Maryland Attorney General’s
hotline (410-528-8662) Bankruptcy
Debtor’s Assistance Project (DAP) – 410-962-3813 Civil Justice (Reasonable Fee) – 410-706-0174
How to Find Resources in Your Community Convene a group of stakeholders – housing
counselors, legal services, community groups, local elected officials, title agents, foundations, local colleges
Call local finance department to determine local procedures and see if there are resources for homeowners
Call local water department and gas/electric company to ask about available programs
How to Find Resources in Your Community Cont. Find out whether local government or
nonprofits have any programs related to weatherization or housing rehab/repairs
See if homeowner is eligible for benefits that could free up money in budget
Get Creative!
HUD Certification – Fair Housing
