In confronting the realities that result from a floundering economy?such as losing?? income while facing higher costs of living?many borrowers are finding it increasingly difficult to make their monthly mortgage payments. If you think you may fall behind on your mortgage payments, you might want to consider contacting you lender to learn about your options and avoid the consequences of foreclosure. When you call your lender, it is essential that you properly prepare yourself in order to get the most out of your call, and to prevent any miscommunication which could otherwise leave you without a remedy.
?12 Things You Should Know When You Call Your Lender
1. Contact your servicer immediately if you are unable to make your mortgage payments. (Your servicer is the company that sends you statements and the people you make your payments to.) Even if you are already delinquent or in foreclosure, your servicer may be able to help you with a solution. Don?t delay.
2. Ask your servicer about alternatives to foreclosure, including repayment plans, loan modification, postponements of regular payments (called forbearance) and other ?workout? options. See our Definitions Page for more information on these terms.
Remember: Workout options are tailored to fit your individual situation, but you must qualify for the plan being considered.
3. Provide any information requested by your servicer quickly to avoid further foreclosure action ? don?t wait until the last minute. Servicers must evaluate each borrower?s circumstances on a case-by-case basis and go through an approval process to arrange workout plans. This can take time, so it?s important you act immediately and provide any information the servicer requests promptly and completely.
4. Be prepared to provide detailed financial information to assist your servicer in qualifying you for a potential workout option. Be honest about your circumstances and personal finances ? it will help lead to the workout option that best fits your situation.
5. Be ready to change your spending habits. By creating a workable budget and understanding where your money is going, you are more likely to be successful in a workout plan.
6. If you need additional assistance or are uncomfortable calling your servicer, request financial counseling from a reputable third party first. Check to see if you qualify for the Obama Administration?s modification program by visiting www.makinghomeaffordable.gov. For the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development?s (HUD) list of approved counselors call (800) 569-4287. For free counseling from NeighborWorks America and the Homeownership Preservation Foundation, call (888) 995-HOPE or visit http://995hope.org/.
7. Be sure you open all mail from your servicer or your servicer?s law firm and return calls promptly. Failure to respond quickly may result in further foreclosure actions and additional costs.
8. Ask the critical questions:
- What is the anticipated timeline to complete a workout?
- Will the foreclosure sale be postponed while your servicer reviews the workout option?
- What are your obligations under the work-out arrangement: due dates, amounts due, how long your servicer will postpone collection of payments, if applicable, and when such deferred payments must be paid back?
9. If you are not making payments into an escrow account for real estate taxes and insurance, your servicer will likely require that you begin doing so and will work with you to recover any payments already made on your behalf. You can usually save money and get better coverage if you obtain your own homeowner?s hazard insurance policy instead of having your servicer arrange coverage for you.
10. Stay in contact with your servicer and/or counselor at all times. Notify your servicer and counselor of any change in your circumstances, including new employment or problems with making payments under a workout plan.
11. Be realistic about your own financial condition. If you cannot afford to keep your property, consider selling it to get your equity out, or talk to your servicer about other options to give up your property.
12. Understand that the servicer is trying to ensure a positive result for you. No one wins in a foreclosure. Be cooperative, honest and keep your promises on any workout arrangement.
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Of course every case is unique, and ultimately it is your lender who will determine whether you are eligible for any workout plan. But armed with these basic guidelines, you may be able to turn your costly mortgage payments into payments that are more affordable, and avoid losing your home.
Source: http://www.voklaw.com/blog/?p=424
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