Maryland’s Governor has signed into law emergency legislation that may help thousands of Maryland homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes. The emergency bills signed late last week include:

• The Real Property – Recordation of Instruments Securing Mortgage Loans and Foreclosure of Mortgages and Deeds of Trust on Residential Property bill. This legislation significantly lengthens the foreclosure process from 15 days to approximately 150 days, making it fairer for homeowners and providing them with more time and notice before a foreclosure sale. It also requires lenders to wait 90 days after default before filing the foreclosure action and to send a uniform Notice of Intent to Foreclose to the homeowner 45 days prior to filing an action. Additionally, the bill requires personal service when notifying a homeowner of impending foreclosure actions and requires that a sale may not occur for 45 days after service. A lender must produce proof of ownership when filing a foreclosure action. The bill codifies the right to cure, which will allow a homeowner to stop foreclosure by paying what is owed up until one business day before the sale.
• The Real Property - Maryland Mortgage Fraud Protection Act is a comprehensive criminal mortgage fraud statute that makes mortgage fraud in Maryland a crime for anyone involved in the mortgage transaction. The bill provides for significant fines and imprisonment for violators and gives the court authority to order restitution and forfeiture and enhanced penalties for cases involving vulnerable adults. The bill also authorizes the Attorney General, a State’s Attorney, and the Commissioner of Financial Regulation to take action to enforce the statute. The bill allows victims of mortgage fraud to bring private action against violators.
• The Protection of Homeowners in Foreclosure - Prohibition on Foreclosure Rescue Transactions – Enforcement is an emergency bill that bans foreclosure rescue transactions that scam homeowners out of their homes and the equity they’ve built. The bill also provides additional consumer protections for people who are trying to sell their homes because they are in default.

Foreclosure rates have risen dramatically across the nation, and Maryland has not escaped the trend. In the fourth quarter of 2007, Prince George’s, Montgomery, Washington and Worcester Counties saw the number of foreclosures double from previous quarter. In other Maryland counties, such as Kent, Garrett and Somerset, the numbers nearly tripled. Statewide, Maryland saw 9,722 foreclosures, compared to 7,001 in the previous quarter, an increase of 2,721 foreclosure events statewide.

Earlier this year, Maryland introduced its “Bridge to HOPE” Loan Program, which provides small gap loans at zero percent interest to homeowners facing difficulty, giving them time to get back on their feet or find a solution. The statewide program is administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Administration (CDA). Families and individuals facing the possibility of foreclosure should call 1-877-462-7555 or visit www.MDHOPE.org for assistance.