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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From the Westchester County Clerk. (with reporting by WPCNR) October 7, 2013 UPDATED October 9, 2013:

“The number of foreclosure filings in the third quarter of 2013 has increased by fifty-three percent (53%) from the third quarter of 2012,” reported Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni, who serves as Clerk of the Westchester County Supreme Court where foreclosure actions are heard.

On Wednesday afternoon County Clerk Timothy Idoni issued this statement to WPCNR on the reasons why foreclosures have gone up:

“Foreclosures have unfortunately spiked in 2013 based on a number of factors,
predominantly banks getting their paperwork in order after changes in court
rules two years ago. But those homeowners facing foreclosure should look for
professional help  to avoid this  action.  We recommend those facing foreclosure
contact Westchester Residential Opportunities Inc, a not-for-profit agency with
offices in White Plains and Mount Vernon, or professional legal counsel  for
such help.”

WPCNR contacted a White Plains realtor who theorized the foreclosure spike  could be due to the banks that have been criticised by the federal government and the state for turning over foreclosure efforts to third parties and not giving homeowners opportunities to refinance their mortgages, may have now decided to proceed with foreclosures with owners who have been given a reasonable amount of time.

A colleague of our source said that it also could be that with rising real estate prices, the banks are no longer willing to renegotiate or due short sales, because the banks may feel they can get more for the house on the market after foreclosing on it.

“We continue to see dramatic growth in the number of actions being started, with 2,046 actions being started in the first three quarters of this year,” said Idoni.  The 2013 third quarter total exceeds full year totals of 1,812 in 2012 and 1,655 in 2011.

Foreclosure judgments continued their climb as well to 233 after nine months exceeding full year totals of 208 in 2012 and 177 in 2011.  County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni warned anyone who faces foreclosure to get legal assistance immediately.  “There are ways to avoid or resolve foreclosure if you start early enough,” said Idoni.  “But please be sure to use safe, affordable avenues to save your home.”

Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO), a non-profit housing agency with offices in White Plains and Mount Vernon, conducts Mortgage Default Orientation sessions most Tuesdays in their White Plains Office.  Trained counselors are available to help at (914) 428-4507 or by visiting www.wroinc.org.   For more information on the Office of the Westchester County Clerk, please visit WestchesterClerk.com or call (914)995-3081.