Foreclosures...

An editorial in the Canton (Ohio) Repository enthusiastically supports a mediation program that helps homeowners and mortgage companies.  The new program requires a mortgage company representative to attend the mediation.  Of the 84 mediations conducted from April 1 through June 30, 43 resulted in the homeowner being able to keep their home.

There's a lot to be learned from this program:

• Mediation is most effective when parties are in the same room;
• Creative solutions can be worked out to the benefit of lenders and borrowers;
• Mediation can help reduce not only courthouse resources, but also reduce the burdens on others in the foreclosure and eviction process, such as the local constable or sheriff.