House loan Loan Mod 101
Struggling to pay your home loan? You are in good company as millions of folks continue struggle financially. Credit Scores are at an all-time low. Foreclosure rates are at an all-time high. It is not pretty. And our best solution? Well, it’s still loan modification – however flawed and temporary – that hold the most promise for U.S. Homeowners.
Let’s review. Mortgage modifications, a reduction in monthly payment via an interest rate cut or an extension of term, has been the primary method the government and banks have used to slow the foreclosure rate. Many homeowners are pleased to remain in their homes, even though the home has declined in value well below the mortgage amount, as long as the monthly payment is “inline” with current values or local rental alternatives.
A flood of applications has overwhelmed the banks and caused for serious delays and terrible stories of bungling and mishandling of applications. As a result, many people believe that mortgage modification relief is really not available. And, believe me, sometimes it seems that way.
On March 4, 2009 President Obama announced the Making Homes Affordable Modification Program. The guidelines for this program have been adopted by virtually all modification programs so the qualifications have become quite standard. Let’s review!
Requirement number 1: The loan must be less then $729,000 and made prior to January, 2009.
For more information contact a local real estate expert or real estate lawyer. Resources include La Jolla Homes for Sale and Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate.
Borrowers must show a hardship. That could be an increase in expenses, decrease in income – including reduced hours at work or job loss. Applicants do walk a tightrope however as the hardship must not be too, well, hard! Applicants must have enough document able income to make payments.
Of course, the programs can only help folks to a certain degree. That is, homeowners must still have enough income to make most of their current payment.
All this is paid for by $75 billion from the U.S. taxpayer. Participating banks receive compensation when they grant loan mods.
The application process is relatively simple and straightforward…sorta’ like doing your taxes – NOT! It is arduous but it can be done with a little help from an experienced adviser. Tons of support material is available from the banks and from the government and their endorsed non-profit associates. Smart applicants will also avail themselves of support from a reputable, experienced, private, for-profit source.
Article by Rancho Palos Verdes Homes for Sale. Also, a special thanks to Chicago Real Estate Listings for Market Statistic resources.