This is a stressful period for anyone, and many turn to loan modification to help them recover their homes. There really is no doubt that the economic recession has left a lot of homeowners in danger of a possible foreclosure.
There really is no doubt that the economic recession has left a lot of homeowners in danger of a possible foreclosure. This is a stressful period for anyone,
and many turn to loan modification to help them recover their homes.
However, applying for a loan modification is a bit complicated for any novice homeowner. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts to help you get started.
DO’S
DO TELL YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER. Yes, it’s a big blow to your self-esteem, but it will work against you in the long run because you and your spouse are required to negotiate for the modification. It’s better to work together in solving the crisis and learn from your mistakes.
DO GET ORGANIZED. This means you get out of your chair and start being systematic. Pull out your utility bills, two to three months of pay stubs and bank statements, monthly expenses, current mortgage statement, and etc. These will help your lawyer and advisor in building your case. The quicker you do it, the faster the negotiations begin.
DO SEEK PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION. The truth is, you can do away with it and negotiate with a lender directly. However, a lawyer or loan modification expert can help you represent the case to your lender in such a way that your modified loans become realistic and payable. There are many cases where homeowners who speak for themselves overestimate what they can afford. Consequently, they couldn’t afford to pay their modified loans.
DO BELIEVE THAT YOUR LENDER WANTS TO RESOLVE YOUR PROBLEM. Banks and other lending institutions earn money when you can make your payments – and they would like to avoid foreclosing because they lose your payments and gain more expenses, such as attorney fees, home rehabilitation, and sales commissions.
DO KEEP A BACK-UP PLAN. Not everyone can be qualified for a loan modification. Talk to your lawyer for other options.
DON’TS
DON'T HIDE. This is the worst thing you can do right now. You should inform your lender or lawyer that you know about your delinquent payments and are taking steps to solve the problem.
DON’T FEEL ASHAMED. You’re not the only one experiencing this -- millions do. The way to change this is to take action so things don’t become worse.
DON’T WAIT TOO LONG. It’s never safe to procrastinate. When you get a notice of foreclosure, it’s a signal for you to stop wallowing in self-pity and call a loan modification adviser or lawyer. Remember: The longer you wait, the more difficult it would be for you to get out of that hole.
And by the way, don't think it's too late to take some action. As long as you are living in your house, you still have the chance to save your home.
DON’T FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY RIGHT AWAY. Other people think that filing for bankruptcy will solve their problems. This is not always the case. According to American Bar Association, 96% of the people who file for bankruptcy eventually lose their homes, too. In some cases, filing for bankruptcy may help, but seek the help of an adviser before taking such drastic steps.
DON’T GIVE MONEY UPFRONT FOR A PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF YOUR SITUATION. A credible law firm will review and evaluate your current situation for free in order to determine how serious your case is. Then, they will decide if they’ll represent you.
Applying for a loan modification is not easy. Make sure you know what to do to make this process easier for you and everyone else.
