PrintIndiana Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN)
Foreclosure is a growing problem across the United States, especially in Indiana, which consistenly ranks in the top ten for having one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation. Recognizing this growing problem, in 2006, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) invited IACED, the Mortgage Bankers Association, AARP, the Indiana Realtors Association, and 18 non-profit housing counseling agencies to develop the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network.
What is the IFPN?
Homeowners who are in danger of foreclosure can visit the IFPN web site or call the hotline number. The web site (ww.877gethope.org) allows homeowners to take an online assessment to determine the options an indivudal might have to prevent foreclosure. If the person prefers, he or she may call the hotline number and provide the information directly to a Foreclosure Intervention Specialist. After the initial assessment, recommendations will be made. For more serious situations, a face-to-face counseling session can be set up.
A list of IFPN participating agencies can be viewed by clicking here.
IACED’s Role in the IFPN
IACED is responsible for training the housing counselors, all over Indiana, to prepare them for foreclosure counseling, as well as keeping track of individuals certified as housing counselors. IACED also manages the network and assists with items such as referrals and other related issues to ensure that the network is running smoothly. Finally, IACED will work with IHCDA on problems that may arise within the network and on the necessary policy and legislative solutions.
A list of certified Foreclosure Intervention Counselors can be viewed by clicking here.
Training
Since 2005, IACED has been successfully coordinating the current HomeEC Intiative, providing training to homeownership counselors and organizations, and managing the Homeownership Education and Counseling State Certification System for individuals and organizations. IACED has continued in this role for the IFPN. To make sure individuals are properly trained to handle foreclosure cases, IACED offers the following trainings for state foreclosure certification:
- Effective Practices and Techniques of Foreclosure Counseling
(2 day class) In this course, participants will expand their basic knowledge of foreclosure practices by taking a closer look at the players in the marketplace and the loss mitigation options for FHA-insured loans. In adddition, counselors will take a look at the servicer side of the foreclosure intevention process. Effective negotiating skills will be explored and how and when to use a Qualified Written Request will be discussed. NeighborWorksAmerica HO109 or HO109el is a pre-requisite to this course. - Advanced Foreclosure Training
(2 day class) In this course, case studies will be utilized. Participants will learn the mechanics of an FHA, VA and RHS workout; how to proceed with a short sale, legal protection against foreclosure and life after foreclosure will be addressed.
The following certification course is available through NeighborWorksAmerica.
- NeighborWorks America HO109 or HO109el: Foreclosure Basics (2 day class or on-line)-In this course, partcipants will learn the foreclosure process and terminology; foreclosure intervention and counseling techniques; choosing loss mitigation options; foreclosure intervention plan development; and resources and links for housing counselors. For more information on the Homeownership Education and Counseling Initiative, please visit the HomeEC page on this web site.Information for individuals and organizations in the Network can be found here and at http://www.ifpn.info.
