Two hundred attend Mountain House foreclosure workshop
by Justin Lafferty
Aug 17, 2009 (Source: Tracy Press, pictures are MHAG’s documentation)
MOUNTAIN HOUSE — As many residents struggle while watching the value of their homes plummet, a group of concerned citizens teamed up with the local congressman to offer help.
The Mountain House Action Group, in conjunction with Rep. Jerry McNerney, hosted a free foreclosure prevention workshop on Saturday, having lenders and counselors meet face-to-face with “underwater” residents, those who owe more than their home is worth.
“Everybody’s here, from all walks of life,” said Beni Bevly of the Action Group. “It’s just like a relief, because we have been working on this since September.”
The congressman also put on a similar event in Brentwood the day before, where he said about 50 families showed up for help.
A couple hundred people trickled in throughout the four-hour event to talk with volunteer representatives from Bank of America, Chase, Freddie Mac and California agencies. Many people were lined up around the corner of Bethany Elementary at the 10 a.m. start time.
“If we can help 50 families stay in their homes, that would be terrific,” McNerney said.
Preston Bayhi said he bought his Tracy home 10 years ago for $180,000, but now it’s worth half as much. He said he came to the workshop to talk with a counselor about his options.
“I’m just trying to figure out what I could do,” Bayhi said. “Will the economy get to where my house is worth 50 grand?”
Homeowners checked in at the front of the Bethany Elementary gym, filled out some paperwork for McNerney’s office about their situation, and waited as lenders and counselors became available.
McNerney also stayed for a while to talk with local homeowners. He said he would offer more of these workshops around congressional District 11 as needed.
“At least we know there’s someone to talk to now,” Mountain House resident Cam Kiliany said. “It’s nice to get in touch with someone to see if we can modify.”
Kiliany said she and her husband bought a home in 2004 for $475,000, but now, she said she hopes it’s worth $300,000.
The workshop was unable to answer every question, though. Mountain House resident Ryan Uyehara said counselors didn’t really tell him much more in person than what he’s learned while talking to them over the phone. The value of his home, he said, has been halved since 2006.
Mountain House has gained notoriety as one of the most underwater areas in the country, but Community Services District board of directors president Eric Payne said things are improving. After talking with Realtor Toni Dalrymple, Payne said 91 homes have been sold so far this year in Mountain House, compared to only 41 in 2008.
Contact Mountain House Press reporter Justin Lafferty at 830-4269 or jlafferty@tracypress.com.
