Preventing Foreclosure, One Home at a Time

Barrett Daffin Firm Emphasizes Personal Service in Helping Homeowners

2008-05-13, Androvett Legal Media

Posted by legalpr 241 days ago (1)
Category: Financial | Tags: foreclosure

Although industry figures show the number of residential foreclosures continuing to increase, there are resources to help at-risk homeowners deal with the financial pressures.

The Dallas-based law firm of Barrett Daffin Frappier Turner & Engel assisted in modifying more than 5,000 loans in the first quarter of 2008, keeping those families in their homes and avoiding additional foreclosed inventory for the firm’s clients.

“While this success may seem modest in the big picture, for each of these homeowners it is very significant and extremely important,” says Deb Kehr, director of BDFTE’s Homeowner Assistance and Loss Mitigation programs. “We try to treat every borrower as an individual with unique circumstances, and explore a variety of alternatives to support them and help them keep their homes.”

The majority of these properties are in Texas and California, states where the firm and its clients see the greatest need and greatest opportunity to help. The firm has more than 30 staff members dedicated to responding to consumers’ concerns about at-risk mortgages. These professionals are knowledgeable about the specific foreclosure laws and loan modification requirements in each state. The assistance groups have recently expanded capabilities to include Georgia, and more state-based initiatives are being considered.

One of the nation’s leading law firms dedicated exclusively to the mortgage banking industry, the firm officially changed its name to Barrett Daffin Frappier Turner & Engel effective on May 1, reflective of its senior-level leadership and renewed emphasis on loan modification for its clients.

The firm serves as a referral source for many lenders to address problem loans and is often the first responder for at-risk homeowners. The expansion of its inbound call center, an increase in the number of experienced attorneys, and focus on customer service has led to numerous recent awards and letters of appreciation from lenders and borrowers alike.

Ms. Kehr says a key for many consumers being able to re-work their mortgages is to contact lenders as soon as possible, and be responsive when contacted by legal counsel. “It’s understandable that many people will try to avoid the unpleasant realities of their situation, but it is critical that borrowers let us help them early in foreclosure process,” says Ms. Kehr. “From our perspective, and that of our clients, we really want foreclosure to be a last resort.”

BDFTE is also providing financial support and other resources to NeighborWorks America to help families facing foreclosures on their homes. NeighborWorks America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities The NeighborWorks network includes more than 235 community development organizations working in 4,400 urban, suburban and rural communities to support access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing.

The firm of Barrett Daffin Frappier Turner & Engel represents many of the nation’s mortgage banking giants in matters ranging from contract enforcement to regulatory compliance. Founded in 1990, the firm was formally known as Barrett Burke Wilson Castle Daffin & Frappier. The firm is well-known for its proprietary software tools designed to efficiently manage clients’ mortgage-related transactions.