Back in January I joined a committee focused on promoting successful homeownership within our community, in simple terms we are a group of Realtors® passionately focused on preventing foreclosures. 

In the first meeting, I was immediately struck with how little I know about resources available for homeowners in need! Take for example, United Way 2-1-1. Ever heard of it?  We all know you dial 9-1-1 is for emergencies and 4-1-1 is for directory assistance.

So what, then, is 2-1-1?

• 2-1-1 is a free hotline set up by United Way created to help people find community health and human service resources in their area. The 2-1-1 in our area (Greenville County) offers a wide variety of service providers including support groups, community clinics, counselors, shelters, food pantries and programs for seniors.  So I am sure you are asking yourself, why in a blog about real estate would I make mention of this?
• United Way’s 2-1-1 can assist as a resource in foreclosure prevention. When you call 2-1-1 seeking help on this topic, they provide you with different community resources including budgeting classes, credit counseling, debt management, financial literacy workshops, and bankruptcy counseling among others.
• Truly amazing to me that this resource is out there, and yet so few are aware. In NC, to see if your county has 211 services click on: http://www.nc211.org/ or view this map http://www.nc211.org/coverage.php.
• In SC, to see if your county has 211 services click on http://www.sc211.org/

Additional foreclosure prevention information may be available through the Human Relations division of your county or local municipality. Greenville County for example has an incredibly helpful guide available on their website, which even included a budget worksheet.

The other focus of this committee is to help put these resources out to people before they buy. The best action we can take is teaching people before they buy on how to successful budget to prevent foreclosure is to teach people how to successfully budget before they buy.

Each month I have learned about a a new resource for homeowners and potential homeowners that I didn’t know existed. I am excited to share more of these with you! Stay tuned!