Realty World – Viking Realty

What is a loan modification?  A loan modification is when your mortgage terms, rate and payments are modified to reach an affordable monthly payment. You must meet certain criteria to qualify for the most popular loan modification program provided by the government which is called HAMP or Home Affordable Modification Program.
There are various reasons why homeowners are trying to get a loan modification.    One of the main reasons is due to a job loss which becomes a financial hardship.   And the question is  ‘Can I do my own loan modification?’.  The answer is YES. If you, the homeowner, is willing to spend time on the phone and do some paperwork, then you can do it.
The first thing a homeowner should do is call their lender (mortgage company), request for the loss mitigation department and ask for a loan modification package.    This will let them know that you are willing to work with them on getting your loan back on track.   They will give you a list of items that they want.  These items can include proof of income, hardship letter which states why you can’t pay the current mortgage, bank statements, and so on.  Be honest and provide what they are asking for and let them know your situation.  The lenders do not want to hear sob stories but just the facts and a summary of your ability to repay your loan.
If the lender doesn’t respond quickly, be patient.  There is a process and many homeowners, like you,  have submitted their requests, too.   At the same time, keep detailed records of all your calls. Once contact is made, write down the name of the person with whom you spoke, his or her identification number, the date and time of your conversation and a summary of what was said. Also make copies of all your correspondence and other paperwork. Lenders tend to lose things.
Avoid SCAMS from companies who offer services to do your loan modification for a fee.  That is illegal.  Only pay for services rendered, if any.  The main thing is keep informed, keep pushing and stay in communication with your lenders.  Nothing will kill your chances of modifying your loan than not communicating your situation to them and waiting until the last  minute to work something out.

According to the Wall Street Journal, affordable home prices and historically low interest rates have created an ideal situation for many qualified first-time home buyers to purchase a house.  Despite this opportunity, some buyers may be overconfident and make mistakes during the home-buying process.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

Some first-time buyers are unaware of the vast amount of paperwork and negotiations that go into purchasing a home.  As a result, buyers may think they can save money by forgoing the use of a REALTOR®.  However, managing the nuances of offers, inspections, financing, and other pivotal steps when buying a home often causes confusion and anxiety for buyers.  Working with a REALTOR®–who is obligated to put the buyer’s best interests first–will help to alleviate buyer concerns during this process.

Online mortgage calculators can help buyers estimate the amount of house they can afford, but calculators should not be the sole source for mortgage-approval information.  Buyers are advised to meet with a mortgage broker or banker prior to beginning the home search to help determine the loan amount for which they are most likely to be approved.

Although there is a large selection of homes available for sale, home buyers should not assume they can make low offers or unreasonable demands.  Even in hard-hit housing markets, homes in desirable neighborhoods are receiving multiple offers.

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