HUD Regional Administrator Addresses Metro South Realtors During Fair Housing Month

HUD Reg. IV Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr.

HUD Region IV Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr. recently provided keynote remarks to the Metro South Association of Realtors (http://www.msar.org/) and their board during Fair Housing Month. The event was attended by over 50 leading members of the association that covers both Clayton and Henry Counties. President-elect Brianne Drake provided complimentary introductions and the welcoming.

Regional Administrator Jennings discussed Fair Housing Month, the history of the Fair Housing Act and HUD's commitment to enforce it and provided an update regarding the $25 Billion mortgage settlement, and the critical role of HUD approved Housing Counseling Agencies and what it means to affected homeowners.

Regarding Fair Housing Jennings stated that HUD has played a lead role in administering the Fair Housing Act (http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/hce/title8.php) since its adoption in 1968. The 1988 amendments, however, have greatly increased the Department's enforcement role. Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

If someone has been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and believe their rights have been violated, they can file a fair housing complaint online or if they live in Georgia they may call HUD's Regional Fair Housing Office at (800) 440-8091.

Jennings related that the Obama Administration is committed to ensuring that everyone in the mortgage process-banks, mortgage servicers, and other institutions-are following the law. If they've not followed the law they should be held accountable. Banks and mortgage services expect that homeowners will meet their obligations under a mortgage; American homeowners should have the same expectation that banks and mortgage servicers meet all of their responsibilities.

In meeting that obligation, the Obama Administration has coordinated the reviews and investigations conducted by a broad range of federal agencies and with the 49 state attorneys general to reach a servicing settlement agreement with lenders who have violated state and federal law and Americans' trust. To find out whether you as a homeowner may be eligible for assistance go to the National Mortgage Settlement website (http://www.nationalmortgagesettlement.com/help).

Regional Administrator Jennings also emphasized that HUD-approved housing counselors have assisted nearly 8 million families over the last three years, cutting foreclosure notices in half since the President took office. Jennings also stated that a recent Urban Institute study found that borrowers in foreclosure were 70 percent more likely to get up to date on payments if they received counseling and also another recent study found that 9-in-10 families who received foreclosure counseling from HUD approved Housing Counselors continued to live in their homes 18 month later.

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