Consumer Guides

"Buying TIME...
        When the Money is Running Out.

Buying “T-I-M-E” is a community outreach program designed and delivered by Mildred Wilkins of Home Ownership Matters in partnership with local organizations who are concerned about the increased number of foreclosures in their communities.

1. Be Careful—Don’t Borrow Trouble

Predatory lending practices are a contributing factor to the state’s high foreclosure rates. This 1 ½ hour presentation is designed to give you enough knowledge to recognize the characteristics and dangers of a predatory loan. You’ll see an excellent 18 minute film

“Don’t Be Scammed”. It shows lending tricks you should watch out for and we’ll discuss the practices you should avoid. See you at the MOVIES!

2. Tax Exemptions—What Are They and What They Do?

Many consumers have much higher tax bills than they should have because they do not have the correct exemptions filed on their home. There are five (5) exemptions: homestead, mortgage, old age, veterans, and blind or disabled. All are designed to reduce the amount of actual taxes you pay on your home. Each will be discussed in detail. Filing is FREE and EASY. Let’s talk about how and where.

3. Updating Your Paperwork

This 1 ½ hour program explains 5 forms you need to get updated: your will, power of attorney, medical representative form, living will and insurance policies. Seniors frequently delay getting these done because they don’t want to think “about something happening”. The truth is “something is going to happen” whether you are prepared or not.

Getting prepared increases the chances that you will have things done in the WAY YOU WANT THEM DONE. Let your family know, clearly, well in advance, what your wishes are concerning being kept on life sustaining equipment which does not enhance your life. If you have changed your mind about how you want your estate to be settled, put that in writing. Show your kids you love them by making the settling of your estate easier for them. GET PREPARED; LEARN HOW AT THIS NFORMATIVE WORKSHOP. Sample forms provided.

 4. Let’s Talk About Reverse Mortgages

It’s a strange concept when the bank MAILS YOU A CHECK EACH MONTH. But it is possible with a reverse mortgage and it could be a good alternative to stretch your income IF you are over 62 years of age and your home is paid for or nearly paid for. Whether you take a lump sum payment, opt to receive monthly checks or decide to get an account set up so you can get money “as you need it”, a reverse mortgage could be just what the doctor ordered. Get the facts and then decide. We encourage you to bring family members!

 5. Hospice Care made Simple

We don’t talk about it much but we should. Hospice care if not just about dying. It’s mostly about how you can live with dignity during the last few months of your life. Whether you choose to stay at home or move to a hospital or nursing home, the benefits of hospice care can be of valuable service to you and your family. The resources, care and support which they provide at this difficult time in life can bring immeasurable value. Learn more. Bring a friend.

 6. Save $$$ With Regular Home Maintenance

Learn why $75.00 spent to clean your gutters (if you can’t do it yourself) could save you thousands of $$$. How did their failure to have their home inspected for termites cause sellers to lose the offer on their home? We’ll discuss home maintenance tips you need to know now in order to avoid costly repairs. Proper maintenance will increase enjoyment of your home while maintaining its value.

7. Saving Our Subdivisions

This 2 – 3 hour program is presented in a Town Hall Format in cooperation with other agencies that have direct connection to the problems faced in our communities. Panel discussion format may be used with HOM as the moderator with the audience primarily consumers seeking information and solutions or HOM president may be the primary speaker. The “Saving our Subdivisions” presentation is designed for a group comprised of mostly professionals to inform them of the options available to prevent foreclosure when consumers are in default.

8. PALM (Practical Application of Loss Mitigation)

While designed for consumer benefit, the PALM training is the only program in this series that is specifically geared for a professional audience. Housing counselors, attorneys, Realtors and other housing professionals who must deal with consumers in default on a regular basis could benefit immensely from attending this training on loss mitigation. The core of the training is 4 hours of material, followed by a 1-hour workshop with ample opportunity for interaction with other professionals and case-specific questions and answers. The entire program, 8:30 until 3:30, will prove to be one of the most worthwhile trainings you will ever attend if you work with consumers who are struggling to meet their mortgage obligation.  The training is approved by the Indiana Real Estate Commission for 4 hours of Elective Credit and by the Secretary of State for mortgage loan officers for 3.75 credit.  Certificates of completion will be issued for all attendees.