It’s likely your current mortgage says your home is worth one amount but its really worth less, a lot less. These “upside-down” mortgages are happening a lot in today’s economy. So what do you do when your home isn’t worth as much as your paying and the economy no longer allows you the ability to pay? First you use the online resources you have, eater at home or a local library, to show the lenders your house is worth less then whats reflected on your mortgage balance. You can do this by comparing the price of similar sized houses in the same neighborhood as your house. You can also have an experienced mortgage attorney examine your loan documents to make sure everything is in order.

Writing a hardship letter is one of the hardest things to do in this process,but its also very important. If you need help with this you can use one of the mortgage modifications inexpensive services or research this before hand. It’s important that your hardship letter has a number of details that are essential to getting your mortgage modification approved. The home owner needs to include a completed life of loan history to see all the charges and fees you’ve attempted to or failed to pay. Also include inflation and/or loss of property values.

You’ll want to show them all your income and expenses. Your mortgage payment should not exceed 31% of your yearly income. If your spending more then that a mortgage modification is a good idea. Your expenses should be itemized and detailed. This list should include: your current mortgage payment, utility’s, food, if you are making payments on a car, your insurance, a 2nd mortgage, if you have one, and anything else you are currently paying on.

These Mortgage Modification Tips should help you understand some of the things you need to know when getting all your documentation together. Remember to do your research and find a mortgage modification company that’s right for you. This company will be able to help you better understand everything and make the process easier on you. You’ll also want to make sure you are as organized as possible be careful when itemizing your expenses and get accurate data on your income. Take into consideration how hard the hardship letter will be for you to right. Try to be in a place where you can be away from all the distractions in your life and think clearly when your writing.

For detailed facts and essential tips about how you can be approved for a mortgage modification, visit this simple, easy to understand loan modification guide and resource: http://HomeLoanModifications101.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_L._Lowry

The government has determined that the economy is doing better. The real estate market is showing positive growth signals. Interest rates are low, and people are gaining some equity in their homes, an average of $12,000 over the last 3 quarters of 2009. Home sales are picking up again.

Over a million people have gotten loan modifications, saving over an average of $500.00 a month on their mortgage payments. Around 4 million people refinanced, saving around $7 billion! To refinance, you have to be current on your mortgage, but loan modifications target those heading for foreclosure.

The government has extended the deadline on a refinance from June 10, 2010, to June 30, 2011. The amount of the market value that can be owed has increased from 105% to 125%. This is called your loan-to-value (LTV).

On a loan modification, they have also accommodated those who are upside down in their mortgage. Principal reductions are being done more frequently, with incentives to banks for increasing these reductions. Bank of America and Wells Fargo had already started doing this more often on their own, but with incentives from the government to reduce principal, it will be more common.

Those who are unemployed have gotten some consideration in Obama’s Home Affordable Plan. There are now temporary modifications for those seeking employment. There are new funds from the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (”EESA”.) This is aid for the hardest hit states…Nevada, California, Florida, Arizona and Michigan. It is a flexible type program that can be adapted to whatever foreclosure prevention measures work best for a particular locale. Improvements should make the program broader in its reach and more efficiently run.

For must know facts about how you can take advantage of Obama’s Home Affordable Plan, visit our blog at http://HomeBuyerStimulus.info/ to get answers today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Herman

This type of loan is designed to give you the same interest rate that you signed up with for a set period of time. They are usually either 15 year mortgages or 30 year mortgages. A 30 year fixed mortgage will provide you with more money left over each month than a 15 year mortgage. However, the longer the mortgages, obviously the longer you will have to pay it back. Also the longer that you pay the mortgage back, the more interest you will pay overall.

There are some fixed rate mortgages that only offer a fixed rate for up to 12 months. These are typically offers designed to attract new customers who would otherwise have difficulty qualifying for a mortgage. The interest rate is usually quite low to start with but this “teaser rate” does not last long. Once the fixed interest rate has expired the rate will then start to differ according to the housing market. Unfortunately this is not always a good thing! Of course the disadvantage of this type of mortgage is that when the housing market lowers its prices, you will not benefit from a lower rate. Those with an adjustable rate mortgage will pay either higher and lower rates depending upon the housing market.

The main advantage of fixed mortgages is that you know exactly how much you are paying every single month. This is great for anyone trying to adhere to a budget, or anyone else where a rise in your monthly mortgage payments would cause problems. Many people fall into the trap of taking on an adjustable rate mortgage when they cannot afford any significant change in their payments. At least with a fixed mortgage you know exactly how much you need to pay every single month.

Another thing that you may not have considered is that with a fixed mortgage if your income increases you don’t have to pay anything extra. So you will still have a fixed rate mortgage with extra money to spend on whatever you like. However, if you plan to repay the mortgage early then you will usually find that there can sometimes be high fees included.

Overall, fixed mortgages are a popular choice with more than 70% of homeowners. There is a certain level of security that is included with a fixed mortgage and in this day and age that is definitely an advantage! However, before you do opt for this type of mortgage, make sure that you have looked into the other options available first. That way you will have the best idea of whether this type of mortgage would be your best option or not.

J. David Rogers worked in the mortgage industry for nearly a decade. What you’ve learned here today is just the beginning. Be sure to visit his site to learn even more about fixed mortgages and other types of mortgage loans.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._David_Rogers

A growing number of people are taking advantage of this program, a reflection of the large housing inventory caused, in large part, by foreclosures resulting from the recent economic turmoil. The FHA reports that the number of 203(k) loans taken out in 2008 nearly doubled from the previous year, with 2009 experiencing a 40% year over year increase. Potential homebuyers, attracted by relatively low market prices on foreclosed properties, are often left to contemplate how (and when!) they are going to be able to pay for the repairs once they purchase the house. This is not an uncommon scenario as foreclosed homes, which are often left abandoned, typically need extensive repairs. The 203(k) loan program solves this problem by enabling homebuyers to finance the construction work and start repairs on the home immediately after a loan closing. All residential properties, not just foreclosed homes, are potential candidates for the 203(k) loan program.

What is the FHA 203(k) Program?
The FHA 203(k) program is a home rehabilitation and repair program, designed to revitalize neighborhoods and spur homeownership. It can be used by people who are looking to purchase a new home, or by existing homeowners wanting to do repair or renovation work on their current home. What consumers end up with is a single FHA insured mortgage – the loan amount consisting of the home’s purchase price (or current loan balance in the case of an existing homeowner) plus the estimated costs of the construction work.

Normally, someone purchasing a home that is in need of repairs has to first obtain interim financing for the rehab repairs and then additional financing to purchase the home. In this scenario – once the repairs are complete the homeowner must then take out a new mortgage to combine the two loans. With the 203(k) program, on the other hand, a borrower need only obtain one mortgage, which covers the home purchase and the property rehab.

The 203(k) program comes in two flavors; a standard version and a streamlined version. With the standard program, the construction costs must be at least $35,000. The maximum construction costs are limited only by the estimated “as-improved” value of the house (i.e., the value an appraiser estimates the property will be after repairs/renovations are completed). All FHA mortgages, with or without a 203(k) loan, are subject to mortgage loan limits. The mortgage amount can range from $271,050 to $729,750, dependent on where the home buyer resides. The total mortgage amount, which would include any cost of repairs, cannot exceed 110% of the “as-improved” home value. The streamlined 203(k) program is used for situations where the construction costs are under $35,000.

To be eligible, properties must be one to four family structures that are at least one year old. Condominiums may qualify, though there are some added restrictions and limitations. Additionally, FHA allows “mixed use” properties (i.e., properties with both residential and commercial use) to be eligible for the program.

A partial list of what you could use a 203(k) loan for include; replace a roof, add a room, remodel kitchen or bathroom, landscaping, update appliances, repair termite or water damage, update electrical and/or HVAC systems. It’s also important to keep in mind that the program requires certain repairs (if needed) to be made. These mandatory repairs deal specifically with bringing the energy efficiency of the property up to code.

Con’s
The FHA 203(k) loan does not come without some added costs and other potentially negative factors. Consumers need to carefully weigh the pros and cons in order to decide if this program is right for them.

• Homebuyer will incur fees up and beyond the normal mortgage closing costs. A supplemental origination fee – which is the greater of $350 or 1.5% of the portion of the mortgage that is being used for rehab purposes – is required. Additionally, a fee consultant (who is HUD approved) must visit the site prior to the appraisal to ensure compliance with program requirements. Expect to pay $100-$200 for this service.
• Takes longer time to close on mortgage loan – up to 4 weeks longs than a normal conventional mortgage
• Have to use an FHA approved lender. Though many such lenders exist- not all lenders will participate in the 203(k) program.
• Some lenders may prefer to deal with a home buyer who is able to pay cash for a home (versus someone using the 203(k) program) due to getting a quicker loan closing turnaround.
• Expect more paperwork than a normal conventional or FHA loan

Pro’s
• Access to funds needed to complete repairs and/or renovations
• Convenience – homebuyer does not have to find separate financing for construction, plus construction begins immediately after loan closing
• Speed of construction – the process of completing construction work is typically quicker than if the homeowner were to conduct renovations on their own
• The 3.5% down payment – conventional mortgages typically call for 10-20% down payments.
• Ability to finance up to six monthly mortgage payments.

The 203(k) Loan Process Step by Step
The 203(k) process has more paperwork and steps than one would experience in a conventional mortgage process. The steps are as follows:

1. Borrower finds a home to purchase and repair/rehab (or seeks to repair/rehab current residence)
2. Borrower and their real estate agent completes a preliminary feasibility analysis to determine the extent of work required, along with an approximate estimate of the cost and expected market value of the home once all work is completed
3. Sales contract is executed
4. borrower selects and works with a FHA-approved lender
5. Borrower, contractor, and an FHA-approved consultant meet at the property to determine “required” vs. “desired” improvements
6. The fee consultant prepares the write-up
7. Home buyer enlists contractors to make bids – then selects a contractor
8. Lender gives the construction plan to FHA-approved appraiser to determine “as-improved” value
9. Lender determines maximum insurable mortgage amount for the property based on the “as-improved” property value
10. Loan is underwritten by lender- if approved lender issues a “firm commitment” and a loan closing is scheduled
11. Loan is closed. Funds are set aside in escrow accounts. The loan is FHA insured after loan closing
12. The work begins. Contractors are paid in draws as FHA fee consultant approves each phase of completed work. Homeowner has six months in which to complete the entire work
13. After work is completed – and the borrower states that all work has been completed to their satisfaction, a HUD inspector conducts a final inspection. If the inspection proves OK – the lender pays the remaining draw to the contractor. A final 10% may be held back for up to 35 days to ensure no liens are placed on the property

It should be apparent that the FHA 203(k) program offers a viable solution for some home buyers seeking funds for home repairs or renovation. Each individual needs to consider the pros and con’s and apply it to their own unique situation.

ConsumerFinanceReport.com features an extensive article library covering a wide range of personal finance issues and topics, such as the article regarding FHA 203(k) Loan Programs. Sections focused on mortgage topics educate consumers on loan modification and tips on refinancing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Newton

The HAMP loan workout plan has standard guidelines that the Treasury Department has mandated all participating banks abide by. This is good news for borrowers-no more guessing about what it takes to qualify and how their mortgage payment will be affected. Once a homeowners passes the initial approval criteria, then their loan may be modified to a much lower interest rate and a much lower monthly payment.

The application process for HAMP loan modification involves contacting the bank and asking if they are participating in the federal plan. Most banks and servicers are offering this program, and the Treasury Department is pressuring all banks to actively work with at-risk borrowers to find a home retention solution. What is involved in applying and qualifying for HAMP? Well, borrowers must complete an application that includes a financial statement, hardship letter and also be able to provide proof of their income.

The HAMP loan application will be reviewed carefully by the lender and based on the information provided, a determination will be made if the homeowner meets the approval guidelines. Since the fed has mandated the guidelines it makes sense for homeowners to know and understand exactly what their lender is looking for to approve their application. At least then adjustments can be made ahead of time to increase the chance of qualifying.

The HAMP loan workout has a target payment calculation of 31% of the household gross income. This means that if your current loan can be modified using standard methods and reach the 31% target payment, you may be a good candidate for help. There is a 4 step formula used to determine this-take advantage of a software program that mimics this formula to make sure that your application is correctly prepared. Simply input your own income and expenses and it does all the calculations for you. The debt ratio, new target payment, new interest rate and disposable income are all figured automatically.

The HAMP loan modification plan has already helped over 750,000 borrowers. This federal plan is only available for a limited time and with limited funding-so don’t miss out on your chance for government assistance. Take the time to learn and prepare so that you have the best chance of success.

Get the help you need to prepare your own accurate and acceptable loan modification application. The Complete Loan Modification Guide kit is the best selling do-it-yourself system that takes the guess work out of preparing your financial statement, hardship letter and all of the required forms your lender needs. You get an easy to use software program-Loan Mod Quick App-as well as an easy to understand handbook with step by step directions. Why take chances with your application? Simply input your unique financial information into the Loan Mod Quick App and it calculates it all for you! It couldn’t be easier! Visit loan modification to order today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_V._Gregory

The information below will help you better determine if you have been a victim of mortgage fraud or predatory lending.

Have You been a Victim of Mortgage Fraud?

* Have you been encouraged to falsify certain information on your loan application?
* Have you been asked to leave certain signature lines blank on a loan form?
* Has there been any alteration/s made to the information you supplied in your mortgage loan application?

Indications of Predatory Lending

Where you not given a copy of any of the following disclosure agreements?

* Good Faith Estimate
* Special Information Booklet
* Truth in Lending
* HUD-1 Settlement Statement

* Have you refinanced your mortgage several times? In each instance, has your monthly mortgage payment and/or total amount owed increased?
* Do any of your mortgage documents say that when your payments are late, your interest rate will change to accommodate “daily interest” that you need to pay?
* If you want to pay off or refinance your loan, are there any pre-payment penalties indicated?
* Is your loan amount higher than your home’s value?
* Do you have any unexpected costs in your settlement that were not discussed with you prior to the settlement?
* After the settlement, did you find your monthly mortgage payments to be higher than you anticipated based on the initial disclosures?
* After making a series of low payments to your loan, there is still a large lump sum or “balloon payment” due to your entire loan balance. Will you need to refinance thru another loan to pay that lump-sum?
* Were you encouraged or required to get credit life insurance? Insurance that will repay the debt in the event of a death or disability.

Note: Credit insurance is optional and should not be imposed to borrowers. You must decide carefully whether you are going to purchase credit insurance because it considerably affects the cost of the loan transaction.

MBA and its fellow supporters actively fight to control, if not eliminate, predatory lending. In fact, borrowers are being made aware that there is a Borrower’s Bill of Rights. This gives the borrowers some form of protection against predatory lenders.

Federal Predatory Lending Laws
The following are laws now in effect at the Federal Reserve that gives you rights on certain issues during the closing process:

Real Estate Settlement and Procedures Act (RESPA)

This requires disclosure of mortgage processing transactions and other fees that could affect the cost of settlement services. It is a consumer protection statute, enforced by HUD, that aims to make consumers well-informed in the home buying process.

Truth in Lending Act (TILA)

Enacted under the Consumer Credit Protection Act in 1968, which requires creditors to disclose information to consumers in relation to why they are being charged, what for, and how much.

State Predatory Lending laws
Predatory lending laws can vary from state to state. Know the laws in your area that protects consumers against abusive lending practices like excessive fees and rates. High fees may compromise pre-payment penalties and credit life insurance.

List of fraudulent home loan modification practices
Desperate home owners would potentially jump to every opportunity to get a mortgage modification to avoid being kicked-out of their homes. It is not surprising, that over-promising practices will start to occur and loan modification companies will take advantage of homeowner’s vulnerability.

Your Guide To Detecting Loan Modification Fraud

* The “high-pressure, cash-up-front” type of sales business tactics. Be suspicious of pushy salesman and mortgage modification companies that require up front fees..
* Never pay a fee for housing counseling services.
* Never sign anything. Unless you are working directly with your mortgage company, do not sign anything, such as, a transfer of deed.
* Never submit mortgage payments other than to your mortgage company.

Be alert. Remember that the official place to go for mortgage modification services is the governments Making Home Affordable website. You can find information related to the mortgage modification process. In reality, fraud does not only occur in mortgage modifications. Oftentimes, it starts from the moment a borrower shops for a loan.

Learn more about Predatory Lending Laws & Get your Free Loan Modification Kit. This loan modification kit includes everything to Stop Foreclosure and Save Your Home with a loan modification. Includes Loan Modification Worksheets, Loan Modification Forms, detailed instructions, lender Rolodex, 50 bank specific forms, And Much More! Absolutely Free!

Visit our website for How to articles, mortgage calculators, free sample hardship letters, foreclosure timelines, and dozens of informative articles on loan modifications and foreclosure. Stop by to check out our growing library of free financial kits. We currently have bankruptcy kits, credit repair, and loan mod with more on their way!

FreeDIYkits
“Helping Homeowners Help Themselves”

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bobby_Tucker

What is a loan modification and its advantages?

You may have more than one loan that makes you pay a monthly installment from your earnings. You may have got into a sudden critical position which requires a part of your monthly income. You might be facing trouble paying back all your monthly installments and you may already be lagging with a bad credit. You can do a loan modification by talking to your lender, it is a process by which all your existing loans, including student loans, can be combined together where you pay only one single repayment installment every month.

The Countrywide Loan Modification process is easy, sets you free, and relieves you from huge monthly repayment burdens. Just try to understand the loan modification process and advantages of loan modification, and then you are all set to go and apply one.

The secret behind this is pretty simple–no bank wants to foreclose on your home. So they give a bit of cushioning to you and allow you to repay with an affordable monthly payment. The major advantage is that you don’t have to foreclose and you can stay in your own home.

Try to understand the basics first

1. It is been studied that less than 15% of home owners have only spoken directly to their lenders. Make yourself ready to speak openly to your lender and explain your problems clearly, so that you may get the advantage of getting your modifications done in your mortgage payments.

2. There are many different types of loan workout options offered by countrywide and there are many departments to carry out this job. You have to first choose the right option that suits you and then get ready with your application.

3. A loss mitigation department is there open to you always to resolve the issues and finalize a find out some better solution for you.

4. Be well prepared before approaching them, you should have all the required documents readily available to present and you should be clear about your past and present financial information.

Easy steps to follow

1. Fill out the application form.

2. Keep all required financial documents ready, such as: bank statements, paycheck stubs, and all relevant documents to clearly explain you’re previous and current financial situation.

3. Provide documents to prove your assets, monthly income and expenses and documents to prove the reason for your current financial trouble.

4. Approach Countrywide and the only job you have to do is to make them understand what went wrong and what the reason is for your financial hardship.

As the guidelines for acceptance are standardized to everyone by the new Obama Home Affordable modification plan, your Countywide Loan Modification process has become very easy and you can definitely get it done.

For detailed information on How to Obtain a Countrywide Loan Modification, visit MortgageModification411.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Witherman

There are programs available through the Federal government and administered by banks and other lending institutions. The Federal program, called Making Homes Affordable, is available to homeowners who have a good payment history on an existing mortgage owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac; however, many lenders provide their own programs that do not have this requirement, so you should talk to your lender and see what programs they have available. You will have to select the program that is right for you.

These programs can modify your existing mortgage in a number of ways-they can lower the interest rate on your home to as low as 2%, extend the term of your mortgage to as far as 40 years, and possibly forbear or forgive a portion of your mortgage balance so that your mortgage payment is only 31% of your monthly household income.

The specifics of the implementation of the program vary from lender to lender. These programs are designed to be implemented in two stages. The first stage is a trial period for borrowers. Once borrowers can successfully document that they are able to meet the new payment schedule, the lender can convert the trial modification to a permanent modification. The schedule for conversion from a trial period to a permanent loan modification is not spelled out, so lenders vary in how long a trial period they require.

If you are having trouble meeting your mortgage payment, the first order of business is to talk to your lender. They may have a Home Mortgage Modification in place, or they may have several programs, and you need to find the right one depending on your situation. Lenders are not in the business of owning property-they do not want to foreclose on your property, and want to accommodate you as much as they can.

For detailed information on How to Obtain a Home Mortgage Modification, visit MortgageModification411.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Witherman

Under this new legislation, homeowners can elect to refinance their existing mortgages. In the economy of today, many homeowners are struggling just to make ends meet once they have paid their monthly mortgage payments, which have oftentimes tripled in the case of some of the adjustable rate mortgages out there. And with fewer people being employed, major layoffs at big companies, and a higher cost of living, these same homeowners may be finding it more difficult to have their income be sufficient to meet the demands of huge mortgage payments and living expenses for their families. These homeowners have a unique opportunity to refinance to a fixed rate mortgage that they can afford while easing the threat of foreclosure or bankruptcy.

Are You Eligible For Mortgage Modification?

The problem with refinancing prior to this legislation is that many homeowners owed far more to their mortgage lender or bank than their homes and properties were even worth. Most lenders would not dare touch a mortgage under those circumstances. In fact, those homeowners who did not have at least twenty percent equity in their home would not qualify for this type of modification under the old rules. Fortunately, now homeowners have a bigger window to work with, as they can refinance as long as their mortgage amount is for no more than 105% of the current market value of the home. Additionally, all of the loan products that were written by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae (or one of their holdings) are eligible.

Affordable Mortgage Modification

The home affordability program makes certain that borrowers who refinance can truly afford their payments. No payment amount is approved that is more than thirty-one percent of the gross monthly income of the borrower. And because the interest rate on these new mortgage modifications can be as little as 4.5%, borrowers can see a huge savings over the course of mortgage repayment.

Online Mortgage Modification

Applying online for these types of government sponsored mortgage modifications is the easiest way to qualify fast and start saving now. Online lenders who are qualified to write these mortgage refinance loans have an easy to follow application process that allows you to do most of the paperwork over the Internet and to submit documentation via email or facsimile transmission. Online lenders can also tell you in advance how much your mortgage payment will be once it is modified under the terms of the Economic Recovery Act and your exact rate of interest, which allows you to have a better idea of whether you would benefit from the modification in the first place and in the long run. Online lenders are well-versed in writing mortgages with expedience, which can make a big difference for homeowners who are struggling and need relief now.

Kate Ross has a Master in Finance and has been a university teacher as well as a financial consultant for years. She specializes in Unsecured Loans and also in helping people to get approved for Guaranteed Loans for Bad Credit, home loans, guaranteed loans, bad credit auto loans, guaranteed credit cards among many other financial products. For further information, please visit SpeedyBadCreditLoans.com

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