Questions About
Foreclosure Prevention Counseling

Question 1: I'm starting to fall behind on my mortgage payments. What steps should I take?

A: DON'T WAIT to get help! We have found that the sooner a homeowner reaches out for help, the more improved their chances are of reaching a successful loan modification. First, call our main telephone line at 678-808-4477 and let us know that you're seeking foreclosure prevention assistance. Depending on your situation, you may either be asked to register for a group class (to help you take control of your finances) or make an immediate appointment with a housing counselor if your situation is time-sensitive.  Our group classes can have up to 25 students in similar situations as yours and are usually on a weekend or in the evening. (There is a small registration fee for the classes.) Keep in mind, though, that it can take several months to successfully modify a mortgage, so contact us as soon as possible!
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Question 2: Are IMPACT! counselors available to anyone?

A: Yes, our individual housing counseling services are free to anyone in the community. We serve people from all income levels and all counseling sessions are kept confidential.
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Question 3: What should I expect when I meet with a housing counselor?

A: Fortunately, IMPACT! housing counselors are experts in their field and understand the stress, confusion, and anxiety that you may be going through. Therefore, they will guide you through the foreclosure prevention process. After first calling IMPACT! to set up an appointment with a housing counselor, you may be asked to bring certain documents with you to your first meeting, including your employment history and details about your loan. When you come in for your appointment, the counselor will talk to you about your situation and analyze your options.  If your counselor believes you are eligible for a loan modification, she or he will help contact your loan agency for the modification. It may take several months to achieve a successful resolution with your bank.
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Question 4: Are there IMPACT! counselors available who speak languages other than English?

A: Yes. We have a housing counselor who also speaks Spanish.                                 

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Question 5: What does it cost to talk with an IMPACT! Housing Counselor?

A: All individual counseling sessions with our housing counselors are free! In fact, IMPACT! discourages homeowners from going to agencies that charge fees for their counseling services. No agency can guarantee in advance that you will stay in your home, and because HUD-certified agencies like IMPACT! already offer trained housing counselors with experience in the housing and financial fields, we strongly recommend you contact us first before paying for a loan modification service that may not work.
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Question 6: So how does IMPACT! pay for its housing counselors?

A: Because IMPACT! is a nonprofit agency, we receive our funding through grants from the government, (including the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Gwinnett County CDBG program), grants from companies and private foundations, and from community donations. 

 Home Investment Academy Classes

Question 1: I've read your online class descriptions, but still have questions about whether a class is appropriate for my needs. Who can I talk to?

A: IMPACT! has a full-time Education Coordinator, Joselyn Torres, who oversees all IMPACT! classes. She can be reached by phone at 678-808-4469 or by email at joselyn.torres@theimpactgroup.org.

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Question 2: My church or social group is interested in hosting one of your classes. Do you bring your classes off-site to different groups?

A: YES! However, please contact Joselyn Torres, IMPACT! Education Coordinator, about arranging this.

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Question 3: I'm in the housing and/or finance field and am interested in helping to volunteer teach at your classes. How can I do so?

A: While some IMPACT! classes use volunteers with
backgrounds in the housing and finance fields, there are only a limited number of spaces for volunteers at any given time. Please contact us to see if our needs match your talents and availability.

North East Georgia Down Payment Assistance &
Potential Homebuyer Questions

Question 1: I'm interested in learning more about your down payment assistance program.
Where should I go?

A: Please check out our introductory page here.
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Question 2: I've viewed your introductory page but still have some questions about your program.

A: Please contact Joselyn Torres, IMPACT! Education Coordinator, at 678-808-4477 with specific questions.

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IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO FIND THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION, PLEASE EMAIL US AT INFO@THEIMPACTGROUP.ORG OR CALL US DIRECTLY AT 678-808-4477.