Moden

Efforts of Kerry's office, residents' generosity praised

Through the efforts of the office of Sen. John Kerry, an Arlington family facing foreclosure won another delay in February. Diane Moden and her children, who faced a noon March 13 deadline from Wells Fargo Bank, have received their fourth reprieve.

Moden, who had faced losing her home Dec. 7, Jan. 10 and Feb. 9, learned about the February delay on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from Greater Boston Legal Services. Help from Massachusetts politicians led to putting off foreclosure from noon Feb. 9. Details are sought about the latest delay, in March.

She praised the efforts of state Rep. Sean Garballey, which led to contacts with the offices of Congressman Edward Markey and Kerry. She said Kerry's office was touch with Wells Fargo as well as Freddie Mac, the federally backed mortgage company.

She also thanked Arlington residents who have contributed "up to $1,000" to help her family after the story was first reported a week before Christmas.

"I am touched by the kindness and support of so many here," she said by telephone Feb. 9.

The news of another delay came as a $25 billion national agreement was reached among banks involved in foreclosure. The accord includes Massachusetts, to get $318 million, and Wells Fargo Bank.

It remains to be seen whether the agreement can help the Moden family.

"They keep asking me for more information," Moden said of Wells Fargo, the bank that holds her mortgage.

She declined to comment on other issues she faces, which were reported earlier.

This story was first published Friday, Feb. 10, 2012.