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Archive for the 'Mortgages' Category

Loan modification approval can make your mortgage affordable once again

March 19th, 2010 by refinancemortgagerates

Have you ever wanted someone to tell you in a simple, direct way what is loan modification or government loan modification? Well here it is in an easy to read and understand list:

Who Is Eligible?

  1. The “Home Affordable Modification Program” is the Countrywide Loan Modification plan which is often referred to as simply loan modification. It is in place to modify the terms of a mortgage so borrowers can afford their payments.
  2. To be eligible for the program an ultimately to receive a home loan modification approval, your home must be owner occupied. The first mortgage must have originated prior to Jan. 1, 2009, and the monthly mortgage payments must be greater than 31 percent your gross income. Counselors are there to help you….
  3. Federally-approved housing counselors offer free services to help borrowers understand their options. Counselors assess a homeowner’s financial situation and review debts and monthly expenses. Costs are very low
  4. Borrowers who qualify for the loan modification program are not charged a fee for the services. Sometimes there are costs associated with a loan modification, in which case borrowers will be given an option to add the fees into the newly modified loan.
  5. Application is required

  6. Contact your mortgage company to determine what financial documents are needed and inform its representatives that you would like to be considered for a loan modification.

Also Learn about recent Obama Refinance Plan.

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Category: Mortgages | No Comments »

Loan Modification Answers for Homeowners

March 18th, 2010 by mortgageloansmodification

A mortgage loan modification is a change in one or more of the terms of a homeowner’s loan, which results in a payment that the homeowner can afford.

Question: In using loan modification to bring a mortgage current, can the lender include all fees legal and otherwise?

Answer: Yes, Legal fees and related foreclosure costs can be added into the modified principal mortgage loan modification balance.

Question: Can the lender ask for an inspection of the interior of my home is I use one of the
loan modification program or obama’s loan modification program?

Answer: Yes, the bank or other lender may verify that the property has no physical conditions that adversely impact the homeowner’s ability to support the loan modification mortgage payment.

Question: Can my lender include late charges in the final loan modification balance?

Answer: No. The lender should waive late charges at the time of the mortgage loan modification.

Home Loan Modification

Question: Is there a new interest rate basis which lenders may assess when completing loan modification programs?

Answer: Yes, lenders should reduce the loan modification note rate to the current market rate.

Question: Should my bank or lender re-amortize my mortgage modification over a 30 year period?

Answer: Yes, lenders must re-amortize the total unpaid amount due over a 30 year period from the due date of the first installment required under the loan modification program.

Question: What date is used when determining the correct interest rate for a loan modification?

Answer: The date the lender approves the mortgage loan modification.

Question: Can I qualify for one of the loan modification programs, like obama’s loan modification program, if my spouse or I are unemployed?

Answer: The lender will conduct a financial review of the household income and expenses to determine if surplus income is sufficient to meet the new mortgage loan modification payment.

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Category: Business, Mortgages | 4 Comments »

Bad credit home mortgage refinance loans are offered to those with bad credit

March 18th, 2010 by Tracey1

Despite your best efforts, you may have landed in a difficult financial situation where you’re no longer able to get a standard mortgage refinance and you are a candidate for mortgage refinancing with bad credit. A bad credit home refinance would bring and the lower monthly payments, there is still hope. Even with the negative news about home loans these days, bad credit mortgage refinance is available to those who need it.

 

A bad credit home refinance is an opportunity for those with bad credit to get all of the benefits of refinance home loans. Many people who have bad credit never even think about trying to refinance in order to lower their payments or take equity out of their homes. However, a bad credit mortgage refinance is a way to get all of those benefits if you have less than stellar credit.

 

Although there is a lot of gloom and doom talk going on regarding lenders and home owners, more mortgage lenders now than ever are offering help to struggling home owners. However, if you are going to take advantage of this type of mortgage refinance situation be sure that you’re not taken advantage of in turn. Many unscrupulous mortgage lenders, like subprime mortgage lenders, are using the current economic situation to charge high fees, increase closing costs and implementing strict terms on people who need to refinance with bad credit.

 

The most important thing to look for when considering bad credit home mortgage refinance loans is the interest rate. Because you are refinancing, it will be less than the percentage that you originally financed at. However, you want to look for the lowest interest rate you can find. Just one percent can make a huge difference in how much your new mortgage payment will be. If you’re struggling to make your mortgage payments because of a sudden financial crisis, the difference in that one percentage point could be the difference between losing your home due to non-payment and being able to live in your home. Be sure to do your research to find the best rate.

 

Often times with a financial crisis, people get behind on their other bills as well. This is another way that a bad credit mortgage refinance can help. When you get refinance home loans, you can withdraw equity (the difference between the value of the house and how much is owed). You can use this equity to make payments on other bills and get back on your feet.

 

Before you take the plunge to refinance your home, you should research the mortgage company carefully. Get full details on the interest rate, fees and other financial information before you sign on the dotted line. Although most mortgage brokers are out there to help borrowers in need, there are some that aren’t so honest. By looking at the facts you can be sure that getting a mortgage refinance for bad credit is the right thing for you.

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How to Apply for the Obama Loan Modification Program

March 17th, 2010 by refinancemortgagerates

A home loan modification, sometimes referred to as the Obama Loan Modification Program, permanently restructures the interest rate and some the terms of an existing mortgage in order to make the loan more affordable for the homeowner. Countrywide Loan Modification is granted only upon the existing lender’s approval.

Who qualifies for the Obama loan modification plan?

President Obama’s Affordability and Stability Plan will distribute up to $75 billion dollars to help homeowners stay in their houses through home loan modification. Even so, the Obama Loan Modification Program will not be able to help everyone at risk of loosing his or her home. The ultimate goal of the Obama Loan Modification Program is to help up to 9 million homeowners to stay in their homes. However, the bank or Mortgage Company’s participation in the loan modification is strictly voluntary. The Loan Modification plan offers monetary incentives to lenders who will modify a homeowner’s mortgage, but in the end, it is up to each individual bank if they will be willing to modify the mortgage.

Obama Loan Modification Program general guidelines for eligibility:

  1. You must live in the home as your primary residence to be eligible for the Obama Loan Modification Program
  2. Before you can apply for a home loan modification, your current mortgage must equal 31% or more of your monthly income
  3. You must be able to provide proof of your income
  4. You do not have to be behind in your mortgage payments to apply for a home loan modification program
  5. Home Loan Modification Includes second mortgages
  6. There are no fees from your lender to apply for a loan modification
  7. Your current mortgage amount should be less than $729,750
  8. You are facing a financial hardship that will impact your ability to pay your mortgage
  9. Your current mortgage should have been taken out before January 1, 2009

You can get your best answer for should i refinance my mortgage with our refinance advisors and also learn about President Obama Refinance Plan.

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Category: Mortgages | No Comments »

A Good Loan Modification Program Decreases the Chance of a Foreclosure

March 17th, 2010 by mortgageloansmodification

Loan modification services are beginning to work as evidenced by declining re-default rates. During the 2nd quarter of 2009 there were 142,362 mortgages receiving a loan modification. Of the loans modified during the second quarter, 78.2 percent reduced payments, 4.3 percent left payments unchanged, and 17.4 percent increased payments.

This is a shift away from the trend in 2008, when the vast majority of those loans receiving a loan modification either did not change or increased monthly payments.

A loan modification program can increase monthly payments when loan modification services insist on capitalizing past due interest, advances for taxes or insurance, and other fees to the balances and then re-amortize the new balances over the remaining life of the loans. Although the interest rate and / or maturity date of the loan might be changed the changes may not be enough to offset the increased new unpaid principle balance.

In the past, the effort to Modify Mortgage Loan that increased payments were made less often and tended to mitigate losses effectively. As our economy declines this approach can carry added risk, hence the new found penchant for strict verification procedures.

It’s painful to watch the same lenders and loan modification services that were able to modify mortgage loans from application to closing within a few short days, now delay for months while they claim to be “reviewing” the file.

Home Loan Modification

Lower payments can make loans more affordable and more likely to be sustainable over time. To successfully modify mortgage loans reduce payments when a loan modification program chooses to lower interest rates, extend the amortization period, or forgive or defer principal. The lower payments also cause lower monthly cash flows to the investor. This is part of the decision making process when the lender is evaluating whether a loan modification is a viable alternative to foreclosure.

The HAMP is a loan modification program geared towards providing greater flexibility to structure a more effective loan modification. A loan modification that lowers payments outperforms those not modified.

Costly studies come up with a common sense conclusions and this is one those cases. Millions of dollars have been spent to determine whether or not lowering payments will curb the rate of re-defaults on a loan modification.

The most recent report by the OCC at Treasury has shown that a mortgage loan modification program that decreased monthly payments have consistently lower re-defaulted rates. Although lower payments reduce the cash flows to investors, they result in long term sustainability of the mortgage payments.

After 12 months, only 34.1 percent of permanent modifications that decreased monthly payments by 20 percent or more were seriously delinquent. Alternatively, 63.4 percent of modifications that left payments unchanged and 64.7 percent of modifications that increased payments were seriously delinquent after 12 months.

The report shows clearly that lowering payments by 20% or more drastically reduces re-default rates.

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Loan Modification Foreclosure Prevention

March 16th, 2010 by refinancemortgagerates

If you are one of the millions of Americans that are bending over backwards every month trying to stay current with their mortgage payment, or one of the millions more who have fallen behind (or are about to fall behind) on their mortgage payments, then you should give your immediate attention to Home Loan Modification as an option before it becomes too late to do anything.

Unfortunately, it’s all too common for some people to “stick their heads in the sand” when faced with mounting unpaid mortgage payments. That is the last thing you should do, and doing so only exacerbates your problems to the point where nothing can be done to save your home. Take charge of this problem right now this minute, while you absolutely have the power to do something about it. Contact a Countrywide loan modification attorney near you, or contact one via the Internet. (Note: make sure to research the company that you decide to work with. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to start.) A loan modification will be able to explain to you the loss mitigation process in detail and how the home loan modification will benefit you now and in the long run.

Home Loan Modification - You Can Emerge In a Stronger Position

elevision and radio news are filled with stories of the struggling American mortgage market. Many banks and independent mortgage lenders have lost the struggle and have ceased to exist. The news is even worse for American homeowners that are stuck with mortgages that they can’t afford, for properties that are no longer worth what was paid for them. Because of this environment, home loan modification, sometimes referred to as the Obama Loan Modification Program, has become more and more popular for both homeowners and mortgage lenders.

Loan modification programs give you the ability to save your home from foreclosure, avoiding the unfortunate problems that millions have fallen victim to. Every day people are loosing their homes, but you don’t have to. Act today to get the ball rolling.

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Category: Mortgages | No Comments »

You Can Pursue Your Own Loan Modification Help

March 16th, 2010 by dadianeanderson

Refinance Your Mortgage LoansThe economic crunch has everyone desperately holding onto to whatever assets and properties they still have, including, for those still lucky enough to have foreclosure-free homes. Others aren’t so lucky. Many have taken out a second mortgage on their homes, with a lot of them barely knowing how to work out the first one. Those lucky enough to know about loan modifications and seeking loan modification help have a significantly better chance of stopping foreclosure on their homes than those who do not know about mortgage loan modification. More people should know more about loan modification and how it can help in stopping foreclosure of their homes.

Knowing more about loan modification is beneficial in that it helps many, particularly those depicted as “token victims” of loan modification scams… A lot of scammers are specifically targeting particular groups and taking advantage of their lack of knowledge of the particulars of mortgage loan modification, posing as middlemen who can supposedly offer loan modification help in applying for, and getting an approval for a loan modification, when in truth, they are just out to hustle desperate homeowners out of their last savings without actually arranging anything to help the one in debt or provide any loan modification assistance.

The trouble is so few know about mortgage loan modification and some who do know about it don’t know enough to avoid the scammers. Homeowners and those in debt with lenders should know that a loan modification is something they can work out by themselves. All that is needed is for them to call their lender and apply for the loan modification themselves, this way, the homeowners themselves will know what requirements they will need to qualify for a loan modification. They will also know the particulars of the new arrangement done on their loan, and should the lender deem them as eligible for it, the homeowner may even be rewarded with a reduction in the interest rate on the long-term loan.

Ultimately, seeking mortgage loan modification as a way of stopping foreclosure could prove to be beneficial, since studying the particulars of how to apply and get approval for a loan modification that affords a homeowner a better insight into the workings of home mortgaging, lending procedures, and arrangements in loan payment terms.

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Category: Business, Financial Markets, Mortgages | 1 Comment »

Getting Affordable Refinance Rates For Your Home Loan

March 16th, 2010 by refinancemortgagerates

Refinancing your home loan can become an ordeal if the refinancing rates are high. It’s important to get low Obama Refinance Plan loan rates to make your home loan affordable. Availing customized refinancing options should be the first step while planning the mortgage refinance.

Individuals planning to go in for home refinance do so to make their home loan easy to pay off. Few individuals are aware about the exact process involved while refinancing their homes, and it’s important to get all the relevant details before finalizing the deal. Generally, the home is the most important asset that an individual possesses. While refinancing, the house is offered as a collateral. In case of home loan defaults, creditors have a legal right to liquidate the guarantee offered and recover the losses. So, it’s very important to work out the refinancing options carefully. Pprovides specialized credit counseling services which guide the prospective applicant in understanding how the refinance activity works, and also provide valuable tips when availing the home refinance loan.

One of the common mistakes people make is to go by the experience of family members and close acquaintances. People often fail to realize refinancing options worked out by one applicant might not necessarily turn out to be so beneficial. So it’s not advisable to copy the same refinance plan which might have proved to be quite successful for somebody. The only way to get the best out of your refinancing activity is to negotiate with the creditor and avail Obama mortgage refinance program, in addition to affordable monthly installments that don’t strain your budget.

Generally home refinancing is done when the borrower has an existing mortgage, and wants a second loan to pay off the ongoing mortgage. The main factor controlling the affordability of the refinance activity is the rate of interest linked with the new or second loan. The new mortgage refinance rate should be low, or reduced when compared to the existing mortgage interest rate. Financial experts state the difference should be at least one and a half percent between the two interest rates, with the new refinance rate being lower when compared to the current mortgage rate. Helps to negotiate with the creditor and work out your refinance options.

Another option worth thinking about is the cash out mortgage refinance option. It involves refinancing your existing mortgage for more than what is currently owed, and generate some liquidity in the process. The process is possible when the borrower has been redeeming the mortgage loan for some time and has been consistent with the payments. Generally in such cases, the principal on the mortgage is substantially reduced in comparison to what it was when the mortgage loan was initially taken. The money obtained through the refinance can be used to pay off existing credit card debts, or can also be used for other activities such as improving your home.

Many creditors also offer Second Mortgage Loan. These types of loans are also referred to as no cost refinances, no fee refinances, and no cost mortgage refinances. In a tradition mortgage refinance loan, the borrower has to pay for the title search, courier fees, title insurance, recording fees, attorney’s fees, and other associated expenses. In a no closing cost refinance loan, the lender pays all the expenses linked with the loan without increasing the loan balance.

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Category: Mortgages | No Comments »

Home Equity Line of Credit Scenario

March 15th, 2010 by refinancemortgagerates

There may be many reasons for which you are considering a second mortgage or HELOC loans. Once that you have decided to exercise this option you need to select type of loan. HELOC lenders are showing optimism and the market is improving so there is good news for you!

For a program best suited to your goals and needs, just fill the attached form!

If you own a house the choice may be Home Equity Loan vs Home Equity Line Of Credit, both are essentially second mortgages. Home equity loans are cheaper loans since they are offered at adjustable rate that is tied to the prime rate. A margin is the amount that the HELOC lenders charge above the index. Due to the increase in the perceived risks the margins and therefore the rates are comparatively higher.

In an HEL you get a fixed lump-sum payment whereas in a HELOC you can withdraw as per need up to a pre determined limit. To evaluate Home Equity Loan vs Home Equity Line Of Credit use the questions

  • What you get
  • How to qualify
  • How you repay it
  • How long it lasts
  • Costs and fees
  • How you receive the money
  • Interest rate
  • Tax status

However in both the cases the approval is dependent on similar factors as, income, debts, the value of home, credit history etc. Attractive interest rate has made HELOC loans a popular tool of short term financial planning. Closing costs generally are not applicable on HELOC equivalent to second mortgage loan. If you want to need ongoing cash to meet expenses as education expenses, medical bills this is a good option. For a one-time purpose as car purchase, HEL is better.

But what happens when the going is not so good and you are facing bad credit? Well, Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance is possible and easy to get. If you have a bad credit but have good home equity built up it possible to get a fair deal.

So if you a need lot of money and have equity in your home finance is just click away!

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Loan Modification Foreclosure Prevention Is Available To All Homeowners

March 15th, 2010 by mortgageloansmodification

Homeowners across America are turning to loan modification programs to prevent foreclosure and stay in their homes. Loan modification has recently become a popular method for homeowners to get the assistance they need from their lenders to prevent foreclosure.

Loan modification reduces the interest rate of the loan and defers a portion of the principal in some cases to lower the mortgagee’s monthly mortgage payments to reasonable amounts. Loan modification services are a way to prevent foreclosure and are an option for individuals to reorganize their finances. Losing a job, having lower paying employment than when the loan was initially taken out, disability expenses, rising everyday expenses and bills, or a death of a spouse can all put a homeowner into financial hardship. It only takes one of life’s hardships to make it difficult to meet a mortgage, whether it’s the loss of a job, disability, or death of a spouse.

Loan ModificationDue to the Home Loan Modification under the Obama administration, lenders’ minimum qualifications for loan modification have been lowered to make it easier for the average homeowner. There are several items that lenders scrutinize when contemplating a borrower for loan modification programs to avoid foreclosure: the credit of the mortgagee, income and income tax returns for the recent tax year, bankruptcy history, the total loan amount, the value of the dwelling the mortgagee would like to receive loan modification, mortgage payment history, and the circumstances under which the mortgagee has fallen into financial difficulty.

If a mortgagee has a low credit score they are not automatically excluded from loan modification. However, they should proceed to get a review or get in touch with their lender. Also, whether or not a mortgagee has made any late payments on their mortgage affects different lenders receptiveness to consider loan modification differently. Some lenders will not accept a loan modification program with a borrower who has not been late on their mortgage payments, others will. Some lenders view a late mortgage payment as a sign that the homeowner is having a hard time meeting their mortgage, and without that they will not even consider a homeowner to be under financial distress.

When submitting an application for loan modification help, a mortgagee needs to turn in not only the application, but also a detailed letter outlining step-by-step why and how they have come into financial hardship. Due to these numerous steps, loan modification programs that prevent foreclosure usually are a long and tedious process that can take months to reach final approval before a homeowner is approved for loan modification. This can be a lengthy process, and the homeowner may not be approved, so it’s very important to keep informed of the lender’s guidelines for loan modification then keep track of their application’s progress through the lender.

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