Yes, there’s more help for distressed homeowners. Neighborhood Housing Services Silicon Valley is holding the second of two seminars to help homeowners in trouble.

March 31, 2010   6:00 PM  West Valley Branch Library                                             1243 San Thomas Aquino Rd.  San Jose 95117

Show up to learn about:

• Loan Modification/Loss Mitigation Options
• How to talk to your lender
• How to prepare all your documents
• What steps to take to receive help from a HUD approved counselor

To Register for the seminar call: 408-279-2600  ext. 229

If you need help before then, there is a place called “Foreclosure Help Center” in San Jose that is open Mon-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These services also are free. The program is manned almost completely by volunteers, and they will help you get all your documents together and go over them with you. Then they will turn you over to the proper channel to get you the help you need. Just call them for an appointment. The phone number is:  408-794-1242 You can visit their website at http://www.foreclosurehelpscc.org and get more information about their services.

If you’re looking to buy a home, the tax credit is supposed to run out again. The rules this time are that you must be in contract to buy a residence by April 30, 2010 and close by June 2010. I have not heard any rumblings yet as to whether there will be another extension, but I rather doubt it. If you’re anxious to take advantage of the credit, I wouldn’t wait around to see how it goes.

If you are a homeowner in trouble, or know you will be the next adjustment to your loan, please, don’t sit and do nothing. Take advantage of all the services that are there to help you. This is just scratching the surface. There’s even more help for distressed homeowners. All you have to do is ask.