Is option Mediation service in Encino,ca a real service company? How do you know they are real?

Yes they are a real company. Unfortunatly I have choisen to do buisness with them. They will say anything to get you to sign up with them, but they don't do what they say they are going to. I am trying to get out of my contract with them now because they have not called me back in 2 weeks of phone calls and emails. STAY AWAY.

I signed up with oms in March 09 and have never received a call from them. If you paid with a credit card you can call and dispite the charges.

I signed up with oms in March 09 and have never received a call from them. If you paid with a credit card you can call and dispite the charges.

Often many mediators are attorneys.  If they are in fact an attorney you can check with the local Bar Association.

OPTION MEDIATION SERVICES IS A FARCE.  They are a fictitious business.THEY ARE NOT LISTED AS A LEGIT OR BONAFIDE BUSINESS IN CALIFORNIA (where they are based).  THEY ARE A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE (Jennifer White, Henry, Greg,a dn teh phone attendant "Caroline"). IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CHARgE MONEY AT THE ONSET OF A HOME LOAN MODIFICATION AND THEY KNOW THIS> THIS COMPANY PORTRAYS THEMSELVES AS BEING ACCREDITED WITH THE BBB (their website states they are under "Contact Us/the picture changes on the left and it says this) BUT THEY ARE NOT and subsequently, have an F rating.  They state at the onset that they have an attorney and that there is a chance that the home loan mod may not be approved and that the consumer would need an attorney for representation.  They also give ill advice and this subsequently   puts people into a situation where they are likely to lose their homes. Then, the company slips away with the money and a hands off approach.  They literally do nothing to earn one red cent. They somehow get names from mortgage companies because they called me right after I sent paperwork to Citi and they acted as if my file had been sent over and they were looking at what I owed. They instill fear by stating there' s a sense of urgency  and the fess need to be paid, etc. up front and the home loan percentage rates need to be negotiated adn locked in.   They told me I could skip a month payment and they'd call Citi. They told me not to call Citi, etc. They they later told me to pay the month I skipped adn that I was apporved.  I didn't make any sense and when Ic alled Citit, I hadn't been approved--had I not paid, I could've lost my home. 

Jennifer told me verbally and in writing that I could get my money back if not satisfied. She never called me back. I talked to other people for several months. One guy said my refund was in the process and a few months later, Jennifer (with her weasel like self) said the attorney denies my refund. She refused to give the attorney's name. The other's there do not know the attorney, but one guy said I'd ahve to pay to talk to their attorney. They change names and the ring leaders of this circus called Option Mediation Services appear to be Jennifer and Henry.  These people lie to gain the trust of unsuspecting consumers who are already experiencing hardships. Thir business is in fattening their pockets. They work hard at what they do, but they will one day be out of business, but unfortunately may use another business name. They belong in jail at this very moment because of their fraudulent practices-- and yesterday would not be soon enough if it was up to me.

Allow me to vent a little about this company Option Mediation Services;  I paid them $1500,  they sold us hopes and dreams and delivered nothing at all.  I don't even believe that they ever made contact with my mortgage company.  Getting any information from them is impossible;  though being persistent and stubborn they will talk with you;  though just to keep the runaround going.  They always told me "the bank is ready to work with us;  the modification is in the air;  things are looking good"  then they would get upset and offended when I asked them to be specific with times, dates and next objectives.  I had hopes that they would at least try to meet their claims of "guaranteed principal reduction",  "negotiation of 2nd to 10cents on the dollar",  "bank to pay back tax arrears",  blah blah blah ....  
Thanks Rene, Henry but most of all Roland will always have a special place in my heart.  
In the end:  I don't hold anything against them personally;  we were led into this by our own hopes for a miracle.  
Since you've read this far;  some advice:  The banks are not morally obligated to revise your principal or terms simply because of a change in the home value or your employment situation (sorry :o( ).  The loan terms are 30 years right ?  lots will happen in 30 years ... If your income has changed to some degree (not to great a drop) then the banks can modify the terms - but the only effective way to reduce the principal is through bankruptcy (chp 13) if your income qualifies (there is an income test) then you might be able to discharge the 2nd loan,  the 1st will still be at 100% but you can work out a repayment plan.   ... you won't need Option Mediation Services for any of this though ...  So before I step off the stage:  some advice;  figure out if you can afford the house under your new situation;  if so, then just pay;  if not then consider bankruptcy, foreclosure or short sale and join the rest of us ...
Best of Luck to you,