One day before House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass) holds a hearing to see whether mortgage lenders and servicers are playing nice, the industry will announce later today a new plan to accelerate the modification of distressed mortgages and keep more people out of foreclosure, according to an industry official. It's unknown how lenders will actually implement these changes or what it means for lending guidelines, but we continue to make progress. Although for many it's too slow!
Continue reading...Thursday, October 16, 2008
If you're in or nearing foreclosure, you need to write a hardship letter to explain your situation to your lender. You know that...everyone knows that. Are you stuck trying to decide what you should say or how you should say it? Do you know what your lender expects to see in the letter? If you're looking for info to help you break down your wall of writer's block...good luck finding it on the Internet. It's probably all there, but how do you know if it's correct or not. And do you have the time to devote to finding it and trying to figure out if it's true or not?
Continue reading...Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Yesterday's post about being proactive and calling your lender BEFORE you miss any payments left one important fact out. I was reminded of this when I tried to call my own lender this morning and got the cold shoulder. Find out why...and what you can do about it.
Continue reading...Monday, October 13, 2008
It seems all the focus in the press and on the Internet these days is about homes in foreclosure and what you can do to exit foreclosure. But what if you're not in foreclosure yet? What if you haven't missed any payments? What if you're struggling every month to put food on the table and pay all the bills but so far you've been able to do so? First of all, let me say you're not alone! You have options...unfortunately, though, they're nearly all dependent upon your lender or servicer. Follow this checklist to start the process...be proactive rather than waiting for the inevitable.
Continue reading...Monday, September 15, 2008
This post holds nothing back in the interest of "political correctness" or saving your feelings. The intent is to tell it like it is, not to hurt anyone's feelings. There are too many people out there today telling homeowners in foreclosure what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear.
Continue reading...Monday, September 8, 2008
In today's real estate environment, you have to be careful about who you trust. These ten steps will ensure you are not scammed by someone trying to 'help' you.
Continue reading...Saturday, September 6, 2008
Many of the sample letters we've seen on the internet have it all wrong! Keep these 5 tips in mind and you'll get your lender on your side trying to help you rather than rolling their eyes in frustration.
Continue reading...Monday, February 18, 2008
As part of your hardship package, you will be required to submit a hardship letter. This is your opportunity to tell your story to the lender's negotiator. While you want to maintain a professional tone throughout the letter, you need to show your personal side and the struggles that put you in the financial situation you're in and put your home into foreclosure. Use this sample hardship letter to begin the process.
Continue reading...Tuesday, February 12, 2008
If you're 90 days or more behind on your payments, regardless of whether you've tried to negotiate a workout plan with your lender in the past or not, you may now have an additional 30 days to negotiate...if you're not in bankruptcy or have a foreclosure sale within 30 days, that is. But you have to ask for it.
Continue reading...Monday, February 4, 2008
It's natural to think that your lender wants your home when they begin contacting you and demanding your past due payments plus additional fees and costs. However, this is rarely the case. Especially in today's market!
Continue reading...Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Many homeowners can negotiate their own workout agreement with their lender. It takes persistence and determination. There are pitfalls to be aware of too, though. Find out if you are in the group that has a high likelihood of success or if you could benefit from some extra guidance and hand-holding along the way.
Continue reading...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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