The membership of what may be the fastest-growing club on the local scene is made up of San Bernardino County residents who’ve lost their homes to foreclosure, as the twin nemeses of lost jobs and unwise loans continue taking their toll.

But amid the bad news of investments gone down the drain is some good news as well: Though homeowners may be struggling to survive in this bad economy, they may not have to join that club.

Some 700 Inland Empire residents learned about their foreclosure-avoidance options at a seminar arranged by County Supervisor Paul Biane and put on by the federal Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) on Oct. 18 in Upland.

The event included representatives of lenders, including Countrywide Mortgage and several others who originated the troubled loans which have caused so many to default and lose their homes, said Biane spokesman Scott Vanhorne.

For those who missed the radio ads and the billboards along the freeways announcing the seminar, or were simply unable to attend and get one-on-one counseling for their problems, Vanhorne offered information for securing some valuable tips for confronting a pending, or potential, foreclosure.

“Don’t get caught in one of those foreclosure scams,” he stressed, sounding one of the key themes of the seminar. Unscrupulous companies, promising help to save homes facing foreclosure, have sprung up, and often cause bigger problems than beleaguered homeowners already face. People desperate to protect their lifetime investments may fall for their pitches, he warned.

Vanhorne cited a HUD website link which lists 10 crucial steps for borrowers to take when their home’s value is upside down, they can’t make their mortgage payments and the financial wolves are howling at the door. The 10 pointers can be found at www.hud.gov/foreclosure/foreclosuretips.cfm.

First, the link advises, do not ignore the problem. “The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house,” the site states.

Second, HUD recommends homeowners contact their lender as soon as they realize there’s a problem, to learn of the lender’s options to help borrowers through tough times.

Third, it’s crucial to open and respond to all mail from lenders. Some people, facing financial crisis, leave a lender’s correspondence unopened, and failure to read their mail won’t stand up as an excuse in foreclosure court.

Fourth, HUD says, it’s important to know your mortgage rights. Owners should read their loan documents carefully and contact their state government’s housing office to learn about the foreclosure laws that apply to them.

Next, homeowners should understand their foreclosure-prevention options. The HUD site mentioned above lists a lengthy Internet site that lists detailed loss-prevention options.

Sixth, endangered homeowners should contact a HUD-approved housing counselor. HUD funds free or low-cost housing counseling nationwide. To locate one near you, call (800) 569-4287.

The seventh recommendation is to prioritize spending. “After healthcare, keeping your house should be your first priority,” the site says. Cut optional expenses, like club memberships, cable TV and entertainment, and delay paying unsecured debt, like credit cards, until mortgage obligations are met.

Eighth, HUD recommends using existing assets to help bring mortgages back into good standing. Selling a second car or jewelry or cashing in a whole-life insurance policy may generate cash, and part-time jobs by family members are another option.

Next, the site says, “avoid foreclosure prevention companies.” Why pay a company—assuming even that it’s a legitimate firm—to perform services you can provide for yourself?

Finally, HUD cautions against foreclosure-recovery scams. “If any firm claims they can stop your foreclosure immediately if you sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf, you may well be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home,” the site warns. Homeowners confronted with such a choice should get professional advice from an attorney, a trusted real-estate professional or a HUD-approved counselor.

Vanhorne said Biane’s office had prepared for more than 1,000 to attend the seminar, and has received numerous follow-up calls since Oct. 18. Biane is considering holding more foreclosure-avoidance seminars, he said, in smaller venues and more frequently.

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