Baltimore homeowners who were foreclosed by their lender in 2009 or 2010 may be eligible for an “independent foreclosure review” – and may receive compensation if the review finds they were financially injured because of errors during the foreclosure process, according to Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc. (BENI).

But the parties must obtain and complete a Request for Review Form by December 31, according to Johnette Richardson, executive director of BENI. The independent review – which is free of charge – will determine if the homeowner is owed a payment or other compensation because of errors during the foreclosure process.

“We have found that many consumers do not understand the Independent Foreclosure Review program and have not submitted a request for review,” Richardson said.

As part of a nationwide consent order with federal regulators, more than 25 mortgage servicers have identified homeowners who were part of foreclosure actions between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. These homeowner are eligible for the independent review.

More information is available at IndependentForeclosureReview.com or by calling 1-888-952-9105.

You may also call BENI at 410-485-8422. The neighborhood group is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency that offers services to potential homebuyers in Baltimore and current homeowners throughout Maryland.

“We have been working with homeowners facing foreclosure to save their homes since 2006,” Richardson said.