PA homeowners encouraged to seek help from federal program

(Washington) -- A federal program assisting homeowners falling behind on their mortgage payments has helped some 75,000 people in the commonwealth.

"Making Home Affordable" has been expanded, and the government is urging borrowers to seek help.

Angela Risotto is a foreclosure prevention expert with the federal Department of the Treasury.

She says previous negative experiences with lenders shouldn't keep homeowners from seeking help...

"We have heard stories from homeowners that they have had trouble working with their mortgage company," Risotto says. "Mortgage companies were not prepared for this housing crisis, which has really been quite unprecedented. We have been doing everything we can to expand the range of tools available to struggling homeowners. There are more options available today than ever before."

Risotto says homeowners can work with federal Housing and Urban Development-approved experts for free to understand the right options for their situation

The application deadline has been extended through the end of next year.