CASE STUDIES OF REAL HOMEOWNERS*

*Names omitted to protect identity.

Client A Bought Her First Home in Price Hill

Client A bought her first home at in Price Hill in 2004. In the past year, her adjustable rate mortgage shot up from 7% to 12% as hidden fees surfaced. She started out paying $678 a month, but when the rates changed, she owed up to nearly $1,300. She was one step away from foreclosure when she received a brochure from the housing counselors on her doorknob. Through the hard work of Legal Aid and WIN, she was able to keep her home in East Price Hill. "At first, I wondered how people could get behind on their mortgage... now I don't judge on anybody."

Client B Almost Lost Her Childhood Home

Client B inherited the family home after her mother passed away. Unknown to the daughter, her mother had fallen on hard times and refinanced the mortgage with an adjustable rate loan that eventually priced her out of the home. The mother was behind on several payments leading up to her death. The daughter turned to the housing counselors at WIN. Together, they renegotiated the loan interest and were able to remove thousands of dollars in fees and late penalties. Thanks to the housing counselors, the daughter was able to save the home that was only days away from Sheriff's Auction.

Client C Was Within $9,000 of Owning the Home

Client C has a similar story to Client B. The matriarch passed away and the family was not aware that she was within $9,000 on the house. By the time the family realized, they were within 5 days of a Sheriff's sale. Housing Counselors were able to assist in paying off the house in easy, manageable amounts.