OfflineWhether it's called a loan modification, mortgage modification, restructuring, or workout plan, it's when a borrower who is facing great financial hardship, having difficulty making their mortgage payments and is facing foreclosure, works with their lender to change the terms of their mortgage loan to make it affordable.
The workout plan varies by lender, but changes could include temporary or permanent changes to the mortgage rate, term and monthly payment of the loan, the past due amount could be rolled into the loan, and the new balance re-amortized.
Randy Bailiff
Dean Graziosi Investment and Life Coach
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In February 2009, the government unveiled the Making Home Affordable Program, which is made up of two main programs: one for loan modifications and one for refinance loans. The loan modification portion is called the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). It is designed to reduce mortgage payments struggling homeowners pay per month to sustainable levels. The refinance plan is called the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP).
According to the details of the HAMP plan:
The lender would first be responsible for bringing down interest rates so that the borrowers monthly mortgage payment is no more than 38 percent of his or her income.
Next, the initiative would match further reductions in interest payments dollar-for-dollar with the lender to bring that ratio down to 31 percent.
Lenders will also be able to bring down monthly payments by reducing the principal owed on the mortgage, with Treasury sharing in the costs.
Borrowers will be put on a trial modification at the new interest rate and payment for three months. If they make all their payments on time, the modification will be implemented at the new rate and be fixed for five years.
Under the HAMP, loan modifications will be standardized, with uniform loan modification guidelines used by Fannie and Freddie Mac, and then they will be implemented throughout the entire mortgage industry.
Randy Bailiff
Dean Graziosi Investment and Life Coach
To qualify, you must:
Have originated your mortgage before Jan. 1, 2009.
Be an owner-occupant.
Have an unpaid balance that is equal to or less than $729,750 (for a single-family home).
Have trouble paying your mortgage due to financial hardship. That could be because you have had an increase in your mortgage payments, or because your income was reduced or you suffered a hardship (like medical problems) that increased your bills, or, you can show that you soon will be unable to make your payments. You will be required to enter an affidavit of financial hardship.
Your monthly mortgage payment must also be more than 31% of your gross (pre-tax) monthly income.
According to the Department of Treasury: Anyone with high combined mortgage debt compared to income or who is underwater (i.e., has a combined mortgage balance higher than the current market value of his house) may be eligible for a loan modification. This initiative will also include borrowers who show other indications of being at risk of default. New borrowers will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2012.
Randy Bailiff
Dean
Graziosi Investment and Life Coach
First, gather this information:
Information about the monthly gross (before tax) income of your household, including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources.
Your most recent income tax return.
Information about your assets
Information about any second mortgage on the house.
Account balances and minimum monthly payments due on all of your credit cards.
Account balances and monthly payments on all your other debts such as student loans and car loans.
A letter describing the circumstances that caused your income to be reduced or expenses to be increased (job loss, divorce, illness, etc.).
Second, call your mortgage servicer and ask to be considered for a "Home Affordable Modification", or HAMP. The number is on your monthly mortgage bill or coupon book. Honestly state your situation. They will assess your financial state through phone calls and paperwork to determine whether you qualify for a loan modification. Keep copious, detailed notes on who you speak with and details of the conversations so you have documentation down the road if you are faced with foreclosure.
Third, depending on the direness of your financial difficulties, its always good to hire legal counsel. Get a referral from your local state bar association.
Fourth, call a local HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency for guidance.
Lastly, you can find loan modification reps through Zillow Professional Directory, but you must do your due diligence to make sure these people are legit.
Randy Bailiff
Dean Graziosi Investment and Life Coach