Once of the things American president Barak Obama, along with his administration have done is to implement a loan modification plan. Basically, the plan focuses on the lenders. By providing incentives in order to have them modify the terms and conditions of an existing loan. This makes it easier on homeowners to meet the monthly installments. Before this plan was implemented it was very difficult for homeowners to get their mortgage altered, because most of the cost that were involved had to be covered by the lenders themselves.
How to determine if you qualify
In order to qualify for Obama’s loan modification program, the home must be your primary residence, and you must have purchased your home before January 1, 2009. The Obama plan does not apply to jumbo loans, which in most cases means your loan amount can’t exceed $729,750; however, the allowable limit may be higher in high-cost housing areas.
You need to bear in mind that the modification is not available on second mortgages – only on the first one. Of your monthly income at least 31% must go toward the mortgage or you will not qualify for the modification. And, as unpleasant as it may be, you will be required to demonstrate that you are currently experiencing financial difficulties that are creating problems when your mortgage payments are due. It does not matter if these problems have arisen because of a job loss or some other reason. The issue is that you will need to share this info.
The process that follows qualification
The first thing you need to do is to get in contact with the lender. Once you have done so, you then need to request the modification plan. Some lenders who are not part of the Obama plan will probably refuse. Those who are, and there are many, will agree to the plan.
Next, you’ll need to gather relevant documents. This includes evidence of your pre-tax monthly household income, your most recently filed tax return, information on savings and assets if applicable, and mortgage and loan statements for your first and second mortgages or home equity line of credit. You’ll also need to create a detailed budget that lists your monthly expenses, including credit card payments and installments loans, like student and car loans.
Once you have contacted the lender, requested the modification and made the required info available, you can then proceed to the final part of the process which is to negotiate the terms of the loan with the lender.
Modification vs. Refinancing
There are two main reasons why you should choose to modify your loan rather than opting for refinance. The first reason is cost and the second is your ability to qualify. Because of the present state of the credit climate you will definitely not qualify for refinance unless you have an excellent credit record. Also, when it comes to refinance you are responsible for closing costs as well as other fees. The Obama loan modification program charges no fees at all. Also, if you are behind in your payments any late fees and interest can be waived.
Modification is the best option if you are falling behind on your payments, or if you could not afford to stay in your home with a new loan at conventional rates. On the other hand, refinancing is a better option if you have equity in your home and are looking for a better interest rate, even if you don’t qualify for Obama’s modification plan. Refinancing is also the only way to cash out if you want to tap into your home’s equity.
Doing your own loan modification is a simple process, and there is no need to pay the typical fees of $800 to $2,000 to hire a lawyer or service provider to negotiate the modification on your behalf. The Obama plan provides enough incentive to lenders that you can negotiate your own modification, provided you are well prepared and can make a good case that you’ll be able to pay your modified monthly payment.
Related posts:
- Why Loan Modification is a Good Choice over Refinancing your Mortgage
- Reasons You Might Consider Refinancing in New York
- Loan Modification: Who Does Not Qualify Mortgage Modification: Who Does Not Qualify Loan Modification: Who Can’t Obtain One Loan Modification: Who Can’t Obtain One Mortgage Modification: Who Can’t Get One
- Implement This Professional Advice To Get Your Mortgage Loan Modification Approved
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