Mortgage Help Center Opens in Jacksonville, Florida

Fannie Mae Center Provides Free Education and Counseling to Local Homeowners Facing Hardship

Pete Bakel

202-752-2034

WASHINGTON, DC — Fannie Mae today announced the opening of the Jacksonville Mortgage Help Center to provide free education and counseling services to struggling Duval County homeowners. The Jacksonville Center, the latest of eight Mortgage Help Centers to open across the country, is part of Fannie Mae's nationwide initiative to educate families about the options and tools available to help them stay in their homes. The Center was developed in partnership with Wealth Watchers, Duval County community and elected officials, and area mortgage servicers.

Services available at the Center include one-on-one consultations with experienced housing counselors to review mortgage loans and financing options, explain the range of options available, and help borrowers apply for loan workouts and other alternatives to foreclosure. Services are available in both English and Spanish.

"Fannie Mae is committed to doing everything we can to make sure homeowners facing hardships know the options available to them and have access to the help they need," said Jeff Hayward, Senior Vice President, National Servicing Organization, Fannie Mae. "We are excited to open another Mortgage Help Center to continue to provide services that empower homeowners to make informed decisions and help families stay rooted in their communities, a key part of our mission to bring stability to our nation's neighborhoods."

"Wealth Watchers is thrilled to be a part of the Fannie Mae Mortgage Help Center," said Carrie Davis, President and CEO, Wealth Watchers. "Homeowners who visit the Help Center will meet with a HUD Certified counselor working directly with Fannie Mae to provide quality advice and in-person resolutions regarding their specific mortgage circumstances."

In addition to providing counseling and access to mortgage education and financial literacy resources, the Mortgage Help Center staff will help homeowners coordinate with their mortgage servicers and ensure an efficient response time. The Center will also help to combat mortgage fraud and abuse in the Duval County area.

"Jacksonville is proud to have been chosen as one of only a few cities in the country to have a Help Center like this available to its residents," said Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton. "Many in our community struggle with where to go for help when faced with tough decisions regarding their mortgage. This center will serve as a great resource for information and will provide mortgage assistance to those who need it most."

The free services offered by the Mortgage Help Center are available for families who have a mortgage owned by Fannie Mae. Homeowners can determine if Fannie Mae owns their loan by visiting knowyouroptions.com/loanlookup or by contacting Fannie Mae at 1-800-7FANNIE. The Mortgage Help Center is available by appointment only and customers wishing to schedule a visit should call 866-442-8578.