Brandon Bar Sponsors Free Class on Foreclosure Mediation at Library

A professional mediator will offer free advice on residential mortgage foreclosures at 7 p.m., Aug. 2 at the Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive.

Bob Maxey, a mediator who has handled 250 foreclosure mediations across the state since 2009, will discuss the legal issues pertaining to residential mortgage foreclosures.

The free legal session is sponsored by the Brandon Bar Association.

“There are federal programs available for either loan modifications or for those getting rid of their home,” Maxley.

In hopes of stemming the tide of foreclosures in the state, the Florida Supreme Court mandated mediation as part of the foreclosure process in 2009, Maxley said.

Mediation "is an opportunity for the borrower to meet with an attorney for the loan company, a bank representative and a mediator and see what’s possible,” Maxley said.

The modification programs work best for people who have lost a job and are perhaps five or six payments behind in their mortgage and cannot make up the payments, even with a new job, he said.

“I hope people come away for the session with the information they need to take advantage of these programs and how to deal with the bank,” he said.

One key in dealing with the process is patience, Maxley said.

“Don’t be rude about and just ask for information and be patient because you will likely be asked for the same information several times,” he said.

Maxley runs Higher Ground Mediation, 10150 Highland Manor Drive, Suite 200. For more information, call 813-345-3940.