Come get help answering questions about your mortgage '

Dear Friend,

Around the country, homeowners are worried about making their mortgage payments, avoiding foreclosure, and keeping their homes. As your representative, I want to make sure you can take advantage of federal programs designed to help you navigate these difficulties.

My office will be hosting a Free Mortgage Fair on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9 am to 1 pm at Wright College [map it], located at 4300 N. Narragansett.

Representatives from my office, HUD approved housing counselors, specialists, lenders, and a variety of other agencies will be on hand to answer any questions homeowners have about their mortgages.

Homeowners can receive private, one-on-one housing counseling and helpful advice about foreclosure prevention, legal rights, mortgage refinancing and mortgage fraud. Polish and Spanish speaking counselors will also be available.

Be sure to bring your latest mortgage documents (bills, statements, notices, etc.), two most recent paystubs, and your state ID or driver’s license. For an itemized list of all the documents that you will need to complete a loan modification application, visit the Mortgage Relief Project Document Checklist.

Homeowners in need of immediate assistance to prevent foreclosure are urged to call Illinois' consumer hotline at (800) 532-8785.


Save Money on New Appliances

Illinois residents can receive a discount for purchasing Energy Star qualified appliances on Friday, Sept. 24 beginning at 8 am thanks to the Illinois Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program. Rebates up to $250 per appliance are available for qualified refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, and dishwashers at participating stores. Approximately $3 million in rebate funds are available as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The promotion will last until 9 pm or until funds runs out.  Read more from the Chicago Sun-Times.


Safely Dispose of Old Prescription Drugs

If you have expired, unusable prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet, you can turn them in to be disposed of safely on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is organizing a one-day “National Take Back Day,” where you can turn in old medicine and ensure that it doesn’t end up in our water supply. To find a location near you, visit dea.gov or click here.

I wish you all the best for a happy fall season and it is an honor to serve you in Congress.

Sincerely,

Mike Quigley
www.quigley.house.gov