Salt Lake City, UT / February 5, 2008 / Press Release / --  As reported by the Wall Street Journal, foreclosure filings have rolled in at 75% higher in national average in  2007 than for the previous year.  Credit turmoil along with gouging increases in heating and medical expenses have consumers struggling with day to day finances to include paying the mortgage. 

According to Realty Trac Chief Executive James Saccacio says that for the year, properties in some stage of foreclosure increased by 79%.  Nevada with its glitzy persona and all too familiar "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," tagline leads the nation in foreclosure filings, followed by Florida, Ohio, Texas, Michigan and Georgia to round out the top five.  But even with turmoil brewing around the country there are places like Utah that seem to buck the national average. 

Some analysts point to factors of stronger economy, better employment rates or sound lending practices, but Sheri Fitzpatrick CEO of Perfect Home Living points to another alarming factor.  "What we see on a daily basis are consumers facing foreclosure and the being duped by these foreclosure rescue groups or some variation of an enterprise taking possession of the properties via "Quit Claim Deeds."  According to Fitzpatrick here's how the scam works"

Consumers that are delinquent on the mortgage are contacted by these enterprises operating illegally.  They pitch the homeowner on how they can help by paying all arrears owed in exchange for the consumer's signature on a few documents acknowledging that the enterprise is paying off the bad debt and the consumer can repay the enterprise through small monthly payments. 

In actuality what the consumer is signing is a Quit Claim Deed which in theory deeds the property over to the criminal enterprises. 

"What consumers need to remember is remain in contact with your lending institution where the delinquency occurred.  Most lenders are cooperating with consumers by direction of the current Administration and Congress to work with consumers in hopes of avoiding foreclosure," Fitzpatrick continued.  

In Utah, Perfect Home Living has established via Freddie Mac's award winning "Don't Borrow Trouble" Campaign a database of non-profit organizations with direct response to REO workout departments to further aid defaulting borrowers.  In addition, if families believe that they have been discriminated against the Utah Department of Labor can take reports as well as investigate such matters - Utah Department of Labor [Harold Stephens - 801.530.6387.

Additional resources include the FBI - Salt Lake City Field Office [801.579.1400 or visit them online at: www.saltlakecity.fbi.gov

About Perfect Home Living 

Perfect Home Living is a nationally recognized leader that assists in implementing programs and providing training and education to financial lenders , government entities, consumers and licensed professionals to red flags within today's  real estate market.   For more information or to request assistance please visit us online at:  http://www.PerfectHomeLiving.com