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445 Minnesota Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 296-3353
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Housing
Housing and Mortgage Assistance
If you are a home owner that has fallen behind on your mortgage payments, you are not alone. As many as 2.2 million Americans may face mortgage foreclosure over the next few years. Predatory mortgage lending, exploding interest rates and a tight economy have contributed to a mortgage crisis that threatens to destroy the American Dream of home ownership for people across the state. If you are faced with mortgage default or foreclosure, arm yourself with information, ask for help, and take decisive action to protect your interests.
Facing Mortgage Foreclosure--Steps to Take 
As many as 2.2 million Americans may face mortgage foreclosure over the next few years.
Mortgage Assistance Scams
Minnesota homeowners are currently being targeted by companies offering mortgage assistance either in the form of “foreclosure consultants” or “mortgage modification companies.” Scam artists charge upfront fees and fail to deliver on promises to save a home from foreclosure or to modify a borrower’s loan terms.
The Real Deal on Reverse Mortgages
Some companies are marketing the "reverse mortgage" as a way for seniors to convert some of the equity in their home to cash to pay other bills. For some seniors, a reverse mortgage may not be a suitable loan, however.
Sub-prime Lending
Problems in the sub-prime mortgage lending market have led to large declines in the stock market, company bankruptcies, and a rash of consumer defaults on home loans in recent months.
Abusive and Predatory Lending
The Attorney General’s Office warns consumers to beware of abusive and predatory lending practices. Offers coming from abusive lenders or brokers may seem like a good deal initially, but they often bring future hardship
Home Equity Stripping
Home foreclosure is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. One result of the poor economy is that many people are having a hard time making mortgage payments, and the number of foreclosures is growing. Unfortunately, there are people looking to take advantage of homeowners forced into foreclosure.
Predatory Mortgage Lending Study Group Report
Home Buyer's Handbook
Buying a home can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime — and one of the most stressful. After all, a home mortgage loan is the largest contract most of us will ever sign.
Home Seller's Handbook
Your first big decision is whether to sell your home yourself or use a real estate agent. Some sellers feel more comfortable relying on the expertise of a real estate agent, while others want to avoid paying a commission.
Swanson, Hilstrom, and Scheid Will Push Foreclosure Mediation bill in 2010 Session 
Full Story
Attorney General Swanson Calls On the Federal Trade Commission to Pass Federal Legislation Modeled after Minnesota’s Law To Protect Homeowners From “Mortgage Assistance Scams 
Full Story
Attorney General Lori Swanson Expands Litigation Against Fraudulent "Foreclosure Consultants" And Issues Warning To Minnesota Homeowners In Mortgage Trouble To Seek Reputable Help And Steer Clear Of Scam Artists
Minnesota Legislators and Attorney General also propose legislation to tighten laws and stop new breed of mortgage modification companies that prey on homeowners in trouble Full Story
Attorney General Swanson, Joined By Citizens And Others, Proposes "Homeowner-Lender Mediation Act" Full Story
Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson Sues Two More Out-Of-State Mortgage "Foreclosure Consultants" -- Bringing To A Total Of Ten Such Companies Her Office Has Now Sued In This Area Full Story
- Attorney General Lori Swanson Sues Six Mortgage "Foreclosure Consultants" for Violations of Minnesota Consumer Protection Laws Full Story
- Swanson Sues Two Out-Of-State Mortgage "Foreclosure Consultants" For Charging Fees But Not Delivering Promised Services -- Suit alleges violation of 2004 law that prohibits foreclosure consultants from charging fees before services are performed Full Story
Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson Files Suit Against Source Lending Corporation Over Abusive Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices Full Story
Attorney General Swanson Testifies Before Congress and the Federal Reserve Board on Predatory Mortgage Lending
- Attorney General Swanson Supports Federal Legislation to Curb Predatory Mortgage Lending Full Story
- Attorney General Swanson Testifies before United States House of Representatives Financial Services Committee on the Impact of Predatory Mortgage Lending and Foreclosures Full Story
- Swanson Urges Federal Reserve Board to Take Action to Curb Abusive Mortgage Lending Practices Full Story