Search This Blog

Thursday, December 28, 2017

By Michelle Sanders


Loan modifications are the changes that are done to a loan agreement. When this is done, repayment becomes more affordable and one will not have to default on their loans. Banks prefer to use these programs because it is less costly and also easier when dealing with clients as opposed to going after them. Modification can be profitable for banks but not always. When considering loan modification Oakland residents need to be conversant with what it involves.

In order to qualify, you will need to get in contact with the lender and tell them what your financial situation is. Honesty is needed in explaining whether or not you will be in a position to repay. Lenders then take you through available options as they seek to determine what is suitable for you. Since banks have varying criteria for making approvals, you cannot tell with certainty if you qualify.

It will be a personal decision whether you will be hiring an expert for the process. If you feel you are able to handle the anxiety that the process comes with, as well as time factors, there will be no need to get a professional. If that is not the case, you would need to get an attorney or agent to take you through the entire process. There is just one chance for you to apply for modification and therefore you will not have any room to make mistakes. This is why those that are uncertain will need to get professional help.

After the modification has been approved and all final documents signed, your mortgage gets modified to reflect new terms. The process is made easier by a program known as Home Affordable Modification Program, HAMP. This helps people that might be struggling to keep loans current. With the program, the homeowner will receive reduced monthly payment which is not more than 31 percent of his or her monthly income.

After approval is done, it is a requirement that one goes through a trial period. This normally runs for three months. During the period, monthly payments will be reduced. Trial is used to determine whether payments will be affordable and goes a long way in providing instant relief to clients. During trial, a lender will not initiate foreclosure on your property. Nevertheless, working on modifications prior to getting to an agreement will not mean the lender cannot continue with foreclosure.

There are many homeowners who seek to know credit implications of accepting loan modifications. As a matter of fact, credit score will be affected but actual effects depend on various factors. For instance, in case a lender accepts to minimize principal as part of the agreement, it basically means they have forgiven part of the debt.

The application process is not that simple. Monthly income and expenses are used to initially determine whether one qualifies. This is why you must be careful and accurate when documenting income. Moreover, lenders will require that clients frequently submit additional details. Information submitted to a lender must always be updated.

In case you will be using an expert, it should ideally be a licensed attorney. They are authorized to handle such issues by lenders. If the agent or attorney you use is not licensed, you may end up not benefiting.




About the Author:



0 comments :

Post a Comment