Thursday, May 21, 2009

Obama Loan Modification Plan Guidelines and Tips to Understand Them

What the Obama loan modification guidelines offer is a lifeline for millions of borrowers who are mired in home loans that are becoming unmanageable or for those who are about to lose their homes. What the plan intends to accomplish is an alternative to foreclosure if the homeowner qualifies for the program. To help this along lenders will be given financial incentives to present the plan to qualified homeowners. In order to meet the criteria for help each application will go through an examination process and relief will be forthcoming based on each individual case. The first step is to find out how the new loan modification plan functions.

Here are the 10 most-asked questions regarding Obama's loan modification guidelines:

#1: Do I have to be in arrears on my mortgage payment in order to qualify for a modification application?

- No. Preventing foreclosure and keeping people in their homes during their financial struggle is a primary aim of the new loan modification plan. In fact both lenders and servicers receive a better compensation for restructuring loans well before they become delinquent.

#2: What do I do to find out if my loan is eligible for a mortgage modification application?

- If your loan was entered into before January 1, 2009 and the amount was less than $729,750 there is a good chance that it will be under the guidelines of the Obama loan modification plan. If it is an apartment-style building with 2-4 unit properties the peak amount is higher.

#3: If I own duplex and reside in the building in another unit will I be eligible to make a loan modification application?

- Yes. If the residence is your principal dwelling then you can apply. However, investment properties, additional homes or vacation properties are excluded from the program.

#4: I can't afford to make my present mortgage so what is the lowest I will pay with the new mortgage modification plan?

- This depends on your monthly gross income. The aim of the new loan modification plan is to lower the monthly payment with all the extra charges - taxes, insurance and homeowner dues - so that they equal 31% of the total monthly income of the home. So if the payment is 29% you would not qualify for a lower payment but it were 34% you would.

#5: Are second mortgages included in the new loan modification plan?

- No. First trust deeds are only eligible. However this is where your lender might help with a plan to deal with your second mortgage by either lowering it or completely eliminating the debt. In fact the Treasury Department is offering bonuses for those institutions that will help in these cases.

#6: Will my lender be required to offer me a loan modification plan?

- Not completely. The program is completely voluntary on their part. However, because of the generous rewards put forward by the Treasury Department most lenders and servicers are expected to participate. However, for those homeowners who are 60 days or more behind in their payments the lenders are required to re-evaluate your situation to see if you will qualify.

#7: To get to the 31% debt ratio how will my lender adjust the payments?

- To start off, the interest rate will be lowered as far down as 2%. The, if the debt ratio is still outside the parameters, the mortgage term will be extended as much as 40 years. If the numbers still don't come out in your favor then they may defer a portion of the principal. This could be interest free to you and recouped by the lender if the home is sold.

#8: How do I find out which are participating lenders for the new plan?

- Simply call your lender or servicer or you can visit the government website that deals with the Obama loan modification plan.

#9: What are the document requirements for application to the Obama loan modification plan?

The financial paper trail will go a long way in the approval process for the new loan modification plan. The documents should be in order and properly written:

- A declaration of income and expenses
- A document outlining your financial condition
- Paycheck stubs
- W2
- Tax return.

#10: What does the loan modification application cost?

- Unlike the usual banking fees this is a free application. However there are scam-artists around so the Treasury Department is advising homeowners against paying fees to anyone.

These are the highlights of the new plan however homeowners are encouraged to take the initiative and find out they can about the Obama loan modification program as the information is crucial to a successful outcome. As the days go by lenders will be flooded with applications. So in order to get in on the Obama loan modification plan you should act quickly to get the lowered payments.

Figure out if you qualify by visiting Obama Loan Modification Plan which provides you with important information, including...

- Up to date guidelines on if you qualify
- Insider tips
- FREE sample hardship letter

CLICK HERE

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


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