Programs to Assist Homeowners, Home Buyers Often Make the Difference

In a May 4, 2007 column, "Programs Can Help Homeowners, Buyers," [PDF 316K] in the Central Penn Business Journal, Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick III, explains how initiatives and assistance programs for homeowners and home buyers could help prevent the current subprime crisis from repeating itself in the future. Hartwick cites Freddie Mac's consumer credit education initiative, CreditSmart®, and its anti-predatory lending campaign, Don't Borrow Trouble®, as tools that are widely available to help borrowers understand the mortgage process, recognize the differences in finance options and avoid abusive lending practices.