Bank of America Loan Modification Finally Gets Streamlined
On March 14, 2009, President Obama announced to the American public that a program would be put in place to help struggling homeowners achieve affordable and sustainable mortgages. This program was called the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.
What most Americans don’t know is that when President Obama announced this plan, Bank of America and every other lender and mortgage servicer in the country was also hearing about it for the first time. The result of Obama’s announcement was overwhelming, flooding mortgage servicers with requests for “Obama’s Plan” to modify mortgages to a promised 2% interest rate.
Bank of America Loan Modification in particular was by far the most inundated. Servicing millions of homeowners, Bank of America scrambled to deal with the onslaught of customers in default or facing foreclosure. The result thus far can best be described as a radical departure from what Obama promised the American public. Not only have modifications from Bank of America been rather difficult and time-consuming, many of the loan modifications that have been produced between March and July seemed to be computer generated, did not deal with individual hardship, and set millions of borrowers up for what is known as “payment shock”.
“Payment shock” is when a forbearance or modification plan is not permanent and at the end of the plan, reverts to a mortgage product that will raise the payment, possibly above the original PITI payment.
Adjust My Loan is proud to announce that just last week, we received a call from the first Bank of America LoanModification negotiator. We know he is the first because he called from a temporary number, at a temporary desk, and he filled us in on the truth behind Bank of America’s ridiculously long turn around times.
This call was incredibly significant as the negotiator explained to us not only why Bank of America has put the reliability of assisting default borrowers in a computer program, but also how Bank of America has struggled since March 14th to create a staff to handle the immense number of requests for loan modification. In short, they simply did not have the man power, the software, a centralized office, or the knowledge on how to process Obama’s plan.
As of July 10th, the Bank of America Loan Modification Department has a staff of negotiators out of Plano, Texas in place to address all of those issues. Now, Bank of America negotiators can go over the terms of loan modification, assess what is affordable in terms of monthly payment, and go over the specific rules and/or guidelines that investors are looking for to approve loan modifications. This news is incredibly exciting because it means that now Bank of America has a trained staff to deal with the intricacies of every mortgagor’s specific and mutually exclusive hardship situation.
No two mortgages are the same and the same can be said for hardship situations. Until July 10th, Bank of America was processing loan modifications by simply putting income figures into a web-based software system that would automatically generate a loan modification and in many cases, the outcome was not only not affordable, but completely contrary to the hardship situation.
We here at Adjust My Loan are already beginning to see the outcome of this wonderful news. Modifications through Bank of America are coming through with more comprehensive results, with sustainable & affordable payments, and in a much more timely manner. For more information about Bank of America, loan modifications, and the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, visit www.adjustmyloan.com or simply give us a call! We would love to hear your feedback on this exciting news!
HOORAY for homeowners in Arizona that no longer need to worry about Bobby Herrera scamming them out of their money. Sentenced to FIVE years for a loan modification scam (mortgage fraud) he orchestrated last year that victimized 47 valley homeowners. Our Attorney General Terry Goddard closed this case quickly after he began receiving complaints that he took homeowners money ($1245) with the promise of reducing their monthly mortgage payment and never provided the services. www.adjustMYLOAN.com can proudly say we work tirelessly to treat our clients with dignity and respect, but more importantly we get aggressive loan modifications done for our clients in the fastest time frame possible.
Now if we can only get rid of the other fake loan modification scam artists out there stealing homeowners money and precious time real loan modification companies like adjustMYLOAN.com will be able to help more families! Below is an article from AZFamily.com about the sentencing.
Arizona Attorney General’s Office
PHOENIX - The following is a press release from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office:
Attorney General Terry Goddard today announced that Bobby John Herrera, 33, of Glendale, has been sentenced to five years in prison as the result of a mortgage loan assistance scam he orchestrated that victimized 47 Valley homeowners. Herrera was also ordered to pay $80,541 in restitution to victims.
In December 2008, Herrera was arrested by Surprise and Peoria police in connection with the scheme. He pleaded guilty to one count of fraudulent schemes and artifices, a Class 2 felony, in Maricopa County Superior Court in April.
According to investigators, Herrera solicited struggling homeowners with fraudulent claims that he could modify mortgage terms or provide other assistance to help them prevent foreclosure. Herrera allegedly claimed to have “connections” and expertise negotiating with mortgage lenders to reduce consumers’ monthly payments and prevent foreclosure.
In exchange for the services he claimed to provide, investigators said Herrera often charged the victims upfront fees of $1,245. Herrera is alleged to have not provided any such mortgage loan modification or foreclosure relief assistance, using the money instead for personal expenses.
The Attorney General’s Office began receiving complaints about Herrera last December. In response to concerns raised in complaints, the Office initiated a criminal investigation into Herrera’s activities.
The investigation involved the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Surprise Police Department and Peoria Police Department.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Lawson prosecuted this case in Maricopa County Superior Court. A photograph of Herrera is attached.
A consumer advisory on mortgage assistance scams was released in December. A copy can be found on the Attorney General’s Web site at http://www.azag.gov/press_releases/dec/2008/Mortgage%20Assistance%20Advisory.pdf .
Goddard recommends that homeowners who are in or facing foreclosure seek assistance promptly from their mortgage lender or servicer or a government-certified housing counselor. Federal, state and local governments offer numerous free resources for distressed homeowners, including the Arizona Foreclosure Help-Line at 1.877.448.1211.
Additional tips and resources are available on the Attorney General’s Web site, www.azag.gov.
DON’T BE A VICTIM OF A LOAN MODIFICATION SCAM! SPEND SOME TIME AND RESEARCH THE COMPANY YOU CHOOSE TO HELP NEGOTIATE YOUR MORTGAGE MODIFICATION. WWW.ADJUSTMYLOAN.COM WELCOMES YOU SHOPPING US AGAINST OUR COMPETITION AND WE BELIEVE OUR INTEGRITY AND APPROVAL RATE WILL SPEAK VOLUMES! GIVE US A CALL AND RECEIVE A FREE CONSULTATION ON YOUR SITUATION!
This is awesome. I found this guys drawings on Vimeo and his explanation of our current credit crisis is right on the money. We love his use of minimalist drawings to explain how our financial system imploded like it did! His name is Jonathan Jarvis and his video’s are as cool as they come.
Things are really moving now that SUPERBAMA is in control! That’s right…the Making Homes Affordableloan modificationplan is already being expanded to include second mortgages and to push homeowners who are really upside down towards the newly revamped Hope For Homeowners program. One of the biggest roadblocks the Making Homes Affordable modification plan had was the fact that first lien holders were hesitant to modify their mortgage when the second lien holder got to leave their loans intact. Now second lien holders are incentivized to modify their mortgages down to 1% and in some cases wipe them out completely. The loan modification experts at AdjustMyLoan.com have been modifying both first and second mortgages long before the government subsidies have been around, but we believe this will only make things better for homeowners in the long run. From the first mention of a government assisted modification program our main concern was for those homeowners whose house values have declined dramatically (like those in Arizona). An interest rate drop or term extension only postpones any immediate threats of missing payments or foreclosure and does nothing for those that want or need to sell their homes in the near future. With the program now including second lien holders, there is a chance for a real solution to America’s housing problem! Below is an article from CNNMoney.com about the loan modification plan extension.
Obama expands foreclosure fix
Two steps: Second liens now covered by modification program; servicers must offer eligible borrowers principal reduction under Hope for Homeowners.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — The Obama administration said Tuesday it is expanding its foreclosure prevention program to cover second mortgages and to direct more troubled borrowers to the Hope for Homeowners program.
Announced with great fanfare in mid-February, the president’s $75 billion program has gotten off to a slow start. Loan servicers only recently started taking applications and many delinquent borrowers have complained about being left in the cold because their home values have dropped or they’ve lost their jobs.
The administration is seeking to address some of the concerns by tweaking the original modification plan, which calls for adjusting eligible borrowers’ loans so monthly payments are no more than 31% of pre-tax income.
Servicers covering 75% of the nation’s mortgages are now participating in the program, which also allows some homeowners with little or no equity to refinance their mortgages, a senior administration official said Tuesday. Together, the plans are expected to help up to 9 million avoid foreclosure.
Second mortgage roadblock
During the housing frenzy, many borrowers obtained second mortgages to allow them to put little or nothing down when buying a home. Up to half of at-risk borrowers have second liens, according to the administration.
These loans have complicated the modification process. For one thing, they add to troubled homeowners’ debt levels. Also, mortgage investors have balked at reducing payments on first mortgages when the second loan was left intact.
Under the administration’s new program, the interest rate on second mortgages will be reduced to 1% on loans where payments cover interest and principal and to 2% for interest-only loans. The government will subsidize the rate reduction, with the money going to the mortgage investor.
Servicers will be paid $500 for each modification and an additional $250 annually for three years if the borrower stays current. Borrowers can receive up to $250 per year for five years to pay down their first mortgage.
Investors can also receive a payment in exchange for extinguishing the second lien. They would receive 3 cents on the dollar for loans more than 180 days delinquent and between 4 cents and 12 cents for less delinquent loans, depending on the borrowers’ debt levels.
Servicers who join the new program must modify secondloans when a borrower’s first mortgage is adjusted. It will likely take a month to implement, but it should not slow down the modifications of primary mortgages, the administration said.
“By bringing both the first lien and second lien program together, we can reduce monthly payments for borrowers and make it much more likely that they can stay in their homes,” a senior administration official said.
Hope for Homeowners option
Also Tuesday, the administration said it is now requiring servicers to offer troubled borrowers access to Hope for Homeowners as a modification option if they qualify.
Expanding Hope for Homeowners would address one of the major holes in the original Obama foreclosure prevention plan. It helps homeowners whose homes are now worth far less than their mortgages.
Servicers had balked at participating in the Hope program because it required they reduce the mortgage principal balance to 90% of a home’s current value.
Hope for Homeowners, which began in October, is being revamped in Congress. Servicers would have to reduce the principal to 93% of the home’s value. The change would also reduce the program’s high fees, which turned off many troubled borrowers.
As an incentive to participate, servicers will be paid $2,500 for each refinancing, while lenders who originate the new loans will receive up to $1,000 a year for three years, as long as the loan remains current.
Separately, however, another pillar of the president’s plan appears to be headed for defeat this week. The Senate is not expected to pass legislation allowing bankruptcy judges to modify mortgages. The administration had sought this change to pressure servicers to modify loans before borrowers declare bankruptcy.
If your interested in a home loan modification, visit www.AdjustMyLoan.com today and get a FREE CONSULTATION.
WITH ALL THE LOAN MODIFICATION SCAMS OUT THERE, IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A REPUTABLE, HONEST LOAN MODIFICATION COMPANY?
We have all heard the news lately…”loan modification scam takes advantage of another homeowner”, or “call the lender yourself and don’t pay a third party to help you with your modification”. The news loves a bad story and makes one wonder if there are any good, honest loan modification companies out there?
THE POLITICALLY CORRECT THING TO SAY
Now, at www.adjustMYLOAN.com we absolutely think it is a good idea to be proactive when you are a homeowner facing a financial hardship and you believe you cannot make your upcoming mortgage payments. It seems like the natural thing to do (and the politically correct thing to say) and call your lender right away when you are experiencing problems paying your mortgage. The problem is that many homeowners who are not educated in the real estate / mortgage / loss mitigation world do not know what division to call, what to say, and most importantly, what financial information to disclose during those phone calls. What happens is many homeowners fall into three categories when they try and do a home loan modification themselves…”the disconnect”, the “sorry you don’t qualify”, or the worst one of them all the “here’s your crappy modification agreement”.
The “disconnect” is where you call and get transferred over and over, wait on hold forever, and eventually get disconnected. Do this a few times and the frustration is overwhelming. People already have a fear of confrontation and hate waiting on hold forever so many times this is enough to get them to quit.
The “sorry you don’t qualify”is when an uneducated homeowner calls their lender out of desperation and doesn’t understand that the lender is going to ask them for their financial information…sometimes right then and there over the phone. The poor homeowner discloses financials on-the-fly and ends up de-qualifying themselves because they don’t know what loan-to-value / debt-to-income ratio’s the banks are looking for. Again..the frustration is overwhelming because no matter if they qualify or not the fact remains they can’t afford their current payment. The loss mitigation departments at most major lenders are extremely slow and it takes the average consumer a couple of months to get any answers and by this time it might be too late! Lastly, the call centers at these banks are sometimes overseas and we all know how frustrating it can be when you get someone that barely speaks English telling you (without any feeling of empathy) that there is nothing they can do for you!
The “here’s your crappy modification agreement” is so common and it makes us nauseous. Many homeowners don’t have the time to educate themselves on the in’s and out’s of loss mitigation before attempting to modify their own home loan. They don’t understand the processes, how to get to the decision makers, or the fact that you can counter-offer and get better terms. Most wear out after talking to a un-empathetic loss mitigation negotiator at the bank and end up accepting whatever terms they can just to be done with it. Remember, the banks want to mitigate their loss…that’s why its called loss mitigation! They definitely don’t have your best interest in mind otherwise they would make it super easy to complete this process. If you don’t have a real estate / mortgage background, or you don’t have the time going back and forth with your lender(s) for months and months, contract the work out to a trained expert in loan modification negotiating.
THIS ONE IS OUR FAVORITE
How about this one…“call a HUD certified counselor and get a FREE modification”. While this advice sounds good, we all can agree that nothing good is cheap and seldom anything cheap is good! Free help from a counselor is just that…FREE help (not them actually doing it for you). Anyone can gather the necessary paperwork and submit it to the lender…what a homeowner needs is an aggressive person (or team of people) to fight for the best loan terms possible and not just a paperwork submission helper. Every “financial expert” on the news is telling homeowners to avoid paying up-front fee’s to modification companies and go to a HUD certified counselor for free help. These same people are so far removed from any financial struggles that they don’t feel the severity of the situation. It’s easy to give advice when you are not the one struggling financially, or fighting with your spouse everyday over finances. HUD counselors do not have the time to spend 40-50-60 hours fighting to get you better mortgage terms. In most cases they help you gather the necessary documents and submit them to the lender. Then whatever modification (if any) the lender gives after months and months of waiting is what you will have to accept. NOT AT ADJUSTMYLOAN.COM. We spend all the time necessary to aggressively fight to get you the best loan terms available.
NOTE: HUD Counselors do help you submit the correct financials so in that instance they are a good resource if you do insist on doing this yourself just don’t expect them to do the actual negotiations for you!
THE LOAN MODIFICATION MERRY-GO-ROUND
There was a news story about a congresswoman who tried and negotiate her own loan modification only to get the run-a-round and give up frustrated. CLICK HERE to watch the video. Yes, it is possible to get your own modification, but statistics prove that almost 40% of homeowners who achieve their own loan modification re-default within 6 months because the lender(s) put them into a half ass modification that was in the banks best interest…not the homeowners. DON’T BE A STATISTIC. There are loan modification companies out there who actually do the work they are promising to do and all it takes is some research to find the right one.
OUR SUGGESTIONS TO FINDING THE RIGHT LOAN MOD COMPANY
MAKE SURE THE PERSON YOU ARE DEALING WITH HAS A PHYSICAL BUSINESS ADDRESS AND BUSINESS PHONE NUMBER.
GET COPIES OF RECENTLY NEGOTIATED LOAN MODIFICATION AGREEMENTS TO PROVE THEY CAN DO THE JOB
DO NOT PAY A LARGE UPFRONT FEE…A SMALL FEE IS OKAY BUT IT SHOULD COME WITH A MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE IF THE MOD IS NOT SUCCESSFUL
MAKE SURE THE COMPANY YOU ARE USING HAS AN ONLINE TRACKING SYSTEM SO YOU CAN SEE THE PROGRESS OF YOUR LOAN MODIFICATION AT ALL TIMES
MAKE SURE YOU MEET THE COMPANY AT THEIR OFFICE AND SEE THAT THEY ARE CONDUCTING BUSINESS (GET TO KNOW THE COMPANY)
GET REFERRALS AND TESTIMONIALS TO VERIFY COMPANIES HISTORY
GET COPIES OF ALL PAPERWORK THAT OUTLINES THE BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP
WHAT MAKES ADJUSTMYLOAN.COM DIFFERENT
First and most importantly, we are a full-service (brick and mortar) loan modification company that has been negotiating loan modifications and short sales in Phoenix, Arizona for over 5 years. Our parent company is a member of the Better Business Bureau with zero complaints and can show you completed loan modification agreements between us and almost ever major lender. We are fully transparent and do not hide behind a corporate slogan…we invite you to get to know us in person or through our many videos on our website www.AdjustMyLoan.com. Our website, back-office tracking system, and negotiating processes are unique to us and designed to keep you educated and informed of your loan modifications progress from start to finish. NO OTHER LOAN MODIFICATION COMPANY HAS THE EXPERIENCE, INTEGRITY, AND PROCESSES WE HAVE HERE AT ADJUST MY LOAN. We invite you to get to know us and our professional Loan Modification staff. Lastly, we DO NOT CHARGE any expensive upfront fees for our loan mod service and always offer free consultations to see if you qualify!
Foreclosures Rise First Quarter 2009: Loan Modification Is A Solution!
Below is an article talking about how the foreclosure rate has surged in the first quarter of 2009. The temporary foreclosure halt of most major lenders, as well as Fannie and Freddie Mac at the end of last year is now over. More and more foreclosures are being filed and every homeowner in trouble of paying their mortgage payment is wanting to know whether or not the Obama “Making Homes Affordable” plan is going to help save their home! The stressful situation they are in is not uncommon and even though the government preaches to call the lender and work out a modification yourself sounds like the politically correct thing to say, it is not that easy to navigate the maze of automated phone systems and outsourced customer service centers that your lenders utilize. Getting professional help is a great option that way you can focus on making more money and spending time with your family and not worrying about negotiating with your lender(s)!
The Loan Modification Experts at adjustmyloan.com have negotiated hundreds of loan modifications and short sales for homeowners over the last few years. We are highly educated, loss mitigation specialists that have the training, systems, and energy to go after your lenders to get you the best loan terms possible. Trust, integrity, and honor are the core beliefs of our company and every one of our employees puts the customer’s needs first which is easy to see from the first conversation you have with our experts. We invite you to call us at 1-800-557-7573 and get a FREE LOAN MODIFICATION CONSULTATION from one of our loan mod consultants today.
The Following Article Was Taken From MSNBC.MSN.COM
Foreclosure actions surge in the first quarter
Upcoming big unknown: Will Obama mortgage relief help reverse trend?
WASHINGTON - The number of American households threatened with losing their homes grew 24 percent in the first three months of this year and is poised to rise further as major lenders restart foreclosures after a temporary break, according to data released Thursday.
The big unknown for the coming months, however, is President Barack Obama’s plan to help up to 9 million borrowers avoid foreclosure through refinanced mortgages or modified loans. The Obama administration expects its plans to make a big dent in the foreclosure crisis. But it remains to be seen whether the lending industry will fully embrace it, despite $75 billion in incentive payments.
The faltering economy is causing the housing crisis to spread. Nationwide, nearly 804,000 homes received at least one foreclosure-related notice from January through March, up from about 650,000 in the same time period a year earlier, according to RealtyTrac Inc., a foreclosure listing firm.
In March, more than 340,000 properties were affected, up 17 percent from February and 46 percent from a year earlier.
Foreclosures “came back with a vengeance” last month and are likely to keep rising, said Rick Sharga, RealtyTrac’s senior vice president for marketing.
Nearly 191,000 properties completed the foreclosure process and were repossessed by banks in the quarter. While the number was down 13 percent from the fourth quarter of last year, it is expected to rise through the summer and then possibly taper off.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the big mortgage finance companies, together with many banks had temporarily halted foreclosures in advance of Obama’s plan. Now armed with the details about which borrowers can qualify, the mortgage industry has begun foreclosing on ineligible borrowers.
The Treasury Department has signed contracts with six big loan servicing companies - including Citgroup, Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase. Many have already started processing loans as part of the government’s “Making Home Affordable” plan.
“We need to get the long-term solutions for these folks,” Shaun Donovan, Obama’s housing secretary, said in an interview.
In the coming months, Donovan said, there are still likely to be increased foreclosures, especially from vacant houses, second homes and those owned by speculators. None of those properties will qualify for a loan modification. However, he remained optimistic that overall foreclosures could start to decrease this summer.
But even industry executives who emphatically support the plan emphasize that it’s success isn’t guaranteed.
“The effectiveness of the plan overall obviously is going to depend on the level of industry participation,” said Paul Koches, general counsel of Ocwen Financial, which collects loan payments on subprime loans.
Many borrowers and consumer groups claim the modifications offered by the lending industry don’t do enough to help cash-strapped homeowners, despite more than a year of public prodding from regulators. Fewer than half of loan modifications made at the end of last year actually reduced borrowers’ payments by more than 10 percent, data released last month show.
Plus, the lending industry has been swamped by the unprecedented wave of calls from distressed borrowers. “You can’t wave a magic wand and make the loans suddenly modified,” Sharga said. “They’re all individual transactions.”
In RealtyTrac’s report, Nevada, Arizona, California and Florida had the nation’s top foreclosure rates. In Nevada, one in every 27 homes received a foreclosure filing, while the number was one in every 54 in Arizona. Rounding out the top 10 were Illinois, Michigan, Georgia, Idaho, Utah and Oregon.
Wachovia Loan Modification, Loss Mitigation Negotiation Service
FREE CONSULTATIONS AND NO UPFRONT FEE’S
AdjustMyLoan.com Has Perfected The Wachovia Loan Modification Process And Gets The Job Done
AdjustMyLoan.com, a National Loss Mitigation Company, has acquired the specific criteria and documentation to accelerate loan modification requests for mortgages serviced by Wachovia Home Loans and its subsidiaries. In an effort to stem the housing crisis, AdjustMyLoan.com is providing a specialized service to homeowners in default or facing foreclosure through Wachovia’s “Making Home Affordable Program”. Many homeowners who are struggling to pay their high monthly mortgage payment may qualify for one of Wachovia’s Loan Modification programs and lower their monthly mortgage payment dramatically!
Following President Obama’s Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan introduced March 4, 2009, AdjustMyLoan.com and Wachovia aim to lower monthly mortgage payments to 31-38% of a given borrower’s gross monthly income. This decrease of interest rate is only the first step and we have successfully completed Wachovia Loan Modifications with interest rate reductions, term extensions, as well as the infamous principal balance reductions many believe are impossible to achieve! The loan modification experts at Adjust MyLoan have the proof that they can and will help you with your Wachovia loan modification needs.
For Wachovia borrowers who are currently delinquent or struggling to keep current, you may be eligible for the “Home Affordable Modification” on your current loan. Additionally, Wachovia has extended the foreclosure moratorium to give at-risk customers time to explore the new solutions in the Administration’s plan.
If you have an unaffordable home loan from Wachovia (owned by Wells Fargo), then it is time to learn about your options. Wachovia Loan modifications, which typically involve an adjustment to the interest rate, principal balance, arrearages, and term of an existing mortgage loan, are the preferred method for dealing with the housing crisis. By obtaining the tools to fast-track loan modifications with Wachovia, AdjustMyLoan.com offers a comprehensive plan to help Wachovia homeowners save their homes from foreclosure, bring loans current, and insure that on-time payments will continue for the life of the loan. Further, AdjustMyLoan.com is wiping out late payments and late fees through their negotiation efforts. Imagine being 3,4,5, or even 6 months or more behind and getting the Loan Modification Help you have been searching for to save your home from foreclosure! It is possible and we can show you proof that AdjustMyLoan.com’s system is working to help those that need Wachovia mortgage help.
Homeowners Will Need To Gather The Following:
Bank Correspondence / Foreclosure Notices
Hardship Letter Explaining Your Circumstances And Why You Must Modify Your Loan (must be signed by borrower)
2 Most Recent Mortgage Statements For Each Loan
2 Months Bank Statements For All Borrowers (12 Months If Self Employed)
2 Months Pay-Stubs For All Borrowers
2 Years Tax Returns Including W2’s, 1099’s And All Schedules For All Borrowers
Insurance Information (agent name, company, address, phone, email and policy number)
Any Documents To Verify Hardship (Death Certificate, Medical Bills, Divorce Paperwork ETC)
Then You Need To:
Contact a loan modification expert at AdjustMyLoan.com to pre-qualify for one of our streamlined programs. Our qualification takes only a few minutes and once qualified, rest assured AML is going to fight relentlessly to get you the best loan terms possible.
For more comprehensive information about options available to homeowners facing financial difficulties, please visit AdjustMyLoan.com and check out the loan mod learning center and blog post. There you will find the most up-to-date information on Wachovia’s “Making Home Affordable Program”, the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, and the latest financials news and tips.
Once again AdjustMyLoan.com gets quoted in the news! This story is a discussion of what percentage of a homeowners income should go towards a mortgage payment! This is a direct reaction to Obama’s “Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan” previewed last week with details coming out March 4th, 2009. www.AdjustMyLoan.com is a professional Loan Modification Company that fights for homeowners to re-negotiate their current loan terms in order to lower their monthly mortgage payment. To us, the lower the mortgage payment to income ratio the better! What are your thoughts?
February 26th, 2009
Article from AZCentral.com and on the front page of the Arizona republic
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF INCOME SHOULD BE SPENT ON MORTGAGE PAYMENTS?
Under its new mortgage- relief plan, the Obama administration is staking a claim that most homeowners facing foreclosure should be able to pay 31 percent of their gross income for a mortgage.
Not 50 percent or not 60 percent, as is the case with many strapped homeowners.
But 31 percent of income still is a hefty number. Historically, borrowers’ mortgage payment limit was set at about 25 percent of their gross income before deductions for taxes and other subtractions.
With car payments, credit-card debt and everyday expenses, Phoenix-area mortgage brokers, bankers and others say that 31 percent still is too high for many homeowners.
“They would wind right back in default,” said Paul Klimke, president of the Central Arizona chapter of the Arizona Association of Mortgage Brokers.
Over the years, mortgage guidelines have been relaxed to enable more people to qualify for loans. In a time of rising prices, buyer demand and low interest rates, the Phoenix market allowed for refinancing, quick sales and home-equity lines of credit to help stretched consumers.
No more.
As sales slowed, home prices plummeted and foreclosures rose, many existing owners have been trapped. Their houses are worth much less than their loans, and their mortgage payments are killing them financially.
Experts predict a new wave of foreclosures over the year due to job losses and adjustable mortgages that will reset to higher rates and push up monthly payments.
Librada Martinez hopes the mortgage relief promised by the Obama administration will help her.
She makes $40,000 per year and has a $200,000 mortgage on a two-bedroom southwest Phoenix home that she bought for $180,000 in 2005. Her $1,400 mortgage payment is 47 percent of her gross income and 60 percent of her take-home pay. She was able to make the payments until an illness created unexpected medical bills.
“I tried to sell the house or get a roommate,” she said, adding that she finally just stopped making payments.
Martinez is hopeful she will be able to restructure her loan under the Obama plan but is concerned that homes in her neighborhood similar to hers now are selling for $70,000.
“I want to stay in my home - it’s perfect for me,” Martinez said. “But I don’t want to make payments on a $200,000 loan when my house is worth $70,000.”
The program announced by President Barack Obama in Mesa on Feb. 18 will offer financial incentives to lenders to restructure loan payments so that they are no more than 38 percent of the borrower’s income. More details about the plan are expected next Wednesday.
According to details already released, lenders would receive $1,000 up front for each modified loan and more down the road if the borrower stays current.
The government would use up to $75 billion in economic-stimulus funds to match additional loan modifications from the lender to bring down the payment from 38 percent to 31 percent.
For a household with gross annual income of $100,000, the monthly payment at 31 percent would be about $2,600. That’s about 50 percent of take-home pay after basic federal withholding. Add utility payments, food, health insurance, car payments and other consumer debt and there is likely very little left, said Joann Hauger, executive director of Community Housing Resources of Arizona. It is a non-profit organization that provides one-on-one mortgage default and pre-purchase counseling.
At this time, 38 percent is thought of as the upper limit for qualifying, with many households paying significantly more. Thirty-one percent is considered the upper limit of conservative guidelines for loan underwriting.
Before the boom, under traditional approval ratios for loan underwriting, 28 percent of gross income was considered the maximum for the mortgage payment and 38 percent for all debts combined.
Klimke noted that most of the people now in trouble have mortgage payments alone that are more than 38 percent of their gross income, sometimes much more.
“That’s what got us in trouble,” Klimke said.
Jay Butler, director of realty studies at Arizona State University, also believes 38 percent is too high in many cases.
“I’m curious what government will use as a definition of income and what the ratio would be for total debt,” he said.
Many of the people whose mortgages are in trouble have a lot of other debt and couldn’t afford the payments even if they were reduced to 31 percent of their income, counselors said.
Cody Sperber, a partner in AdjustMyLoan.com, a Phoenix firm that helps homeowners renegotiate loan terms, said that many of his clients are making mortgage payments that are 55 percent to 60 percent of their incomes.
Sperber said he has clients whose total debt payments are more than 90 percent of their income and owe $200,000 more than their homes are worth.
Hauger said that the homeowner bailout plan will be a challenge in Arizona because of the large number of lost jobs on top of the significant drop in home values - 34 percent in the fourth quarter alone, according to the 20-city Case-Shiller Home Price Index.
“There is a tremendous amount of consumer debt that could leave people unable to make payments even at a lower amount,” she said.
“In reality, there are an awful lot of people that no matter what, their homes won’t be saved.”
Below is an Press Release from the Fed’s concerning the upcoming changes to Regulation Z (Truth-In-Lending Act) also known as TILA. Unfortunately many lenders in the past took advantage of the market and made predatory loans to homeowners who are now in serious default. These upcoming changes will prevent further predatory loans from being originated but unfortunately not help those already affected. The professional Loan Modification Experts at AdjustMyLoan.com help homeowners who believe they were a victim of Predatory Lending to uncover these violations through a Forensic Loan Audit on their original loan paperwork and use these findings to negotiate new loan terms with their lenders. If you believe you were a victim, call our Loan Modification specialists at 1-800-557-7573 today.
Regulation Z (TILA) Press Release From The Feds
The Federal Reserve Board on Monday approved a final rule for home mortgage loans to better protect consumers and facilitate responsible lending. The rule prohibits unfair, abusive or deceptive home mortgage lending practices and restricts certain other mortgage practices. The final rule also establishes advertising standards and requires certain mortgage disclosures to be given to consumers earlier in the transaction.
The final rule, which amends Regulation Z (Truth in Lending) and was adopted under the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (HOEPA), largely follows a proposal released by the Board in December 2007, with enhancements that address ensuing public comments, consumer testing, and further analysis.
“The proposed final rules are intended to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive acts and practices in mortgage lending, while keeping credit available to qualified borrowers and supporting sustainable homeownership,” said Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke. “Importantly, the new rules will apply to all mortgage lenders, not just those supervised and examined by the Federal Reserve. Besides offering broader protection for consumers, a uniform set of rules will level the playing field for lenders and increase competition in the mortgage market, to the ultimate benefit of borrowers,” the Chairman said.
The final rule adds four key protections for a newly defined category of “higher-priced mortgage loans” secured by a consumer’s principal dwelling. For loans in this category, these protections will:
Prohibit a lender from making a loan without regard to borrowers’ ability to repay the loan from income and assets other than the home’s value. A lender complies, in part, by assessing repayment ability based on the highest scheduled payment in the first seven years of the loan. To show that a lender violated this prohibition, a borrower does not need to demonstrate that it is part of a “pattern or practice.”
Require creditors to verify the income and assets they rely upon to determine repayment ability.
Ban any prepayment penalty if the payment can change in the initial four years. For other higher-priced loans, a prepayment penalty period cannot last for more than two years. This rule is substantially more restrictive than originally proposed.
Require creditors to establish escrow accounts for property taxes and homeowner’s insurance for all first-lien mortgage loans.
“These changes have made for better rules that will go far in protecting consumers from unfair practices and restoring confidence in our mortgage system,” said Governor Randall S. Kroszner.
In addition to the rules governing higher-priced loans, the rules adopt the following protections for loans secured by a consumer’s principal dwelling, regardless of whether the loan is higher-priced:
Creditors and mortgage brokers are prohibited from coercing a real estate appraiser to misstate a home’s value.
Companies that service mortgage loans are prohibited from engaging in certain practices, such as pyramiding late fees. In addition, servicers are required to credit consumers’ loan payments as of the date of receipt and provide a payoff statement within a reasonable time of request.
Creditors must provide a good faith estimate of the loan costs, including a schedule of payments, within three days after a consumer applies for any mortgage loan secured by a consumer’s principal dwelling, such as a home improvement loan or a loan to refinance an existing loan. Currently, early cost estimates are only required for home-purchase loans. Consumers cannot be charged any fee until after they receive the early disclosures, except a reasonable fee for obtaining the consumer’s credit history.
For all mortgages, the rule also sets additional advertising standards. Advertising rules now require additional information about rates, monthly payments, and other loan features. The final rule bans seven deceptive or misleading advertising practices, including representing that a rate or payment is “fixed” when it can change.
The rule’s definition of “higher-priced mortgage loans” will capture virtually all loans in the subprime market, but generally exclude loans in the prime market. To provide an index, the Federal Reserve Board will publish the “average prime offer rate,” based on a survey currently published by Freddie Mac. A loan is higher-priced if it is a first-lien mortgage and has an annual percentage rate that is 1.5 percentage points or more above this index, or 3.5 percentage points if it is a subordinate-lien mortgage. This definition overcomes certain technical problems with the original proposal, but the expected market coverage is similar.
One element of the original proposal has been withdrawn. The Federal Reserve Board had proposed for public comment certain requirements pertaining to so-called “yield-spread premiums.” During the intervening period, the Board engaged in consumer testing that cast significant doubt on the effectiveness of the proposed rule. As part of its ongoing review of closed-end loan rules under Regulation Z, however, the Board will consider alternative approaches.
In finalizing the rule, the Board carefully considered information obtained from testimony, public hearings, consumer testing, and over 4,500 comment letters submitted during the comment period. “Listening carefully to the commenters, collecting and analyzing data, and undertaking consumer testing, has led to more effective and improved final rules,” Governor Kroszner said.
The new rules take effect on October 1, 2009. The single exception is the escrow requirement, which will be phased in during 2010 to allow lenders to establish new systems as needed.
In a related move, the Board is publishing for public comment a proposal to revise the definition of “higher-priced mortgage loan” under Regulation C (Home Mortgage Disclosure), which requires lenders to report price information for such loans, to conform to the definition the Board is adopting under Regulation Z.
Borrowers Who Are Current on Their Mortgage Are Asking:
1. What help is available for borrowers who stay current on their mortgage payments but have seen their homes decrease in value?
Under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, eligible borrowers who stay current on their mortgages but have been unable to refinance to lower their interest rates because their homes have decreased in value, may now have the opportunity to refinance into a 30 or 15 year, fixed rate loan. Through the program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow the refinancing of mortgage loans that they hold in their portfolios or that they placed in mortgage backed securities.
2. I owe more than my property is worth, do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
Eligible loans will now include those where the new first mortgage (including any refinancing costs) will not exceed 105% of the current market value of the property. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $210,000 or less you may qualify. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance.
3. How do I know if I am eligible?
Complete eligibility details will be announced on March 4th when the program starts. The criteria for eligibility will include having sufficient income to make the new payment and an acceptable mortgage payment history. The program is limited to loans held or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
4. I have both a first and a second mortgage. Do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
As long as the amount due on the first mortgage is less than 105% of the value of the property, borrowers with more than one mortgage may be eligible to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Your eligibility will depend, in part, on agreement by the lender that has your second mortgage to remain in a second position, and on your ability to meet the new payment terms on the first mortgage.
5. Will refinancing lower my payments?
The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide creditworthy borrowers who have shown a commitment to paying their mortgage with affordable payments that are sustainable for the life of the loan. Borrowers whose mortgage interest rates are much higher than the current market rate should see an immediate reduction in
their payments. Borrowers who are paying interest only, or who have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future, may not see their current payment go down if they refinance to a fixed rate. These borrowers, however, could save a great deal over the life of the loan. When you submit a loan application, your lender will give you a “Good Faith Estimate” that includes your new interest rate, mortgage payment and the amount that you will pay over the life of the loan. Compare this to your current loan terms. If it is not an improvement, a refinancing may not be right for you.
6. What are the interest rate and other terms of this refinance offer?
The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide borrowers with a safe loan program with a fixed, affordable payment. All loans refinanced under the plan will have a 30 or 15 year term with a fixed interest rate. The rate will be based on market rates in effect at the time of the refinance and any associated points and fees quoted by the lender. Interest rates may vary across lenders and over time as market rates adjust. The refinanced loans will have no prepayment penalties or balloon notes.
7. Will refinancing reduce the amount that I owe on my loan?
No. The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers refinance into safer, more affordable fixed rate loans. Refinancing will not reduce the amount you owe to the first mortgage holder or any other debt you owe. However, by reducing the interest rate, refinancing should save you money by reducing the amount of interest that you repay over the life of the loan.
8. How do I know if my loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?
To determine if your loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and is eligible to be refinanced, you should contact your mortgage lender after March 4, 2009.
9. When can I apply?
Mortgage lenders will begin accepting applications after the details of the program are announced on March 4, 2009.
10.What should I do in the meantime?
You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender after March 4, when the refinance program becomes available. This includes:
· information about the gross monthly income of all borrowers, including your most recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
· your most recent income tax return
· information about any second mortgage on the house
· payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and
· payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.
Borrowers Who Are at Risk of Foreclosure Are Asking:
1. What help is available for borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure either because they are behind on their mortgage or are struggling to make the payments?
The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan offers help to borrowers who are already behind on their mortgage payments or who are struggling to keep their loans current. By providing mortgage lenders with financial incentives to modify existing first mortgages, the Treasury hopes to help as many as 3 to 4 million homeowners avoid foreclosure regardless of who owns or services the mortgage.
2. Do I need to be behind on my mortgage payments to be eligible for a loan modification?
No. Borrowers who are struggling to stay current on their mortgage payments may be eligible if their income is not sufficient to continue to make their mortgage payments and they are at risk of imminent default. This may be due to several factors, such as a loss of income, a significant increase in expenses, or an interest rate that will reset to an unaffordable level.
3. How do I know if I qualify for a payment reduction under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
In general, you may qualify for a mortgage modification if (a) you occupy your house as your primary residence; (b) your monthly mortgage payment is greater than 31% of your monthly gross income; and (c) your loan is not large enough to exceed current Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits. Final eligibility will be determined by your mortgage lender based on your financial situation and detailed guidelines that will be available on March 4, 2009.
4. I do not live in the house that secures the mortgage I’d like to modify. Is this mortgage eligible for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
No. For example, if you own a house that you use as a vacation home or that you rent out to tenants, the mortgage on that house is not eligible. If you used to live in the home but you moved out, the mortgage is not eligible. Only the mortgage on your primary residence is eligible. The mortgage lender will check to see if the dwelling is your primary residence.
5. I have a mortgage on a duplex. I live in one unit and rent the other. Will I still be eligible?
Yes. Mortgages on 2, 3 and 4 unit properties are eligible as long as you live in one unit as your primary residence.
6. I have two mortgages. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce the payments on both?
Only the first mortgage is eligible for a modification.
7. I owe more than my house is worth. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce what I owe?
The primary objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers avoid foreclosure by modifying troubled loans to achieve a payment the borrower can afford. Lenders are likely to lower payments mainly by reducing loan interest rates. However, the program offers incentives for principal reductions and at your lender’s discretion modifications may include upfront reductions of loan principal.
8. I heard the government was providing a financial incentive to borrowers. Is that true?
Yes. To encourage borrowers who work hard to retain homeownership, the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan provides incentive payments as a borrower makes timely payments on the modified loan. The incentive will accrue on a monthly basis and will be applied directly to reduce your mortgage debt. Borrowers who pay on time for five years an have up to $5,000 applied to reduce their debt by the end of that period.
9. How much will a modification cost me?
There is no cost to borrowers for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. If you wish to get assistance from www.AdjustMyLoan.com visit their website or call their toll free number 1-800-557-7573. They do not charge upfront fee’s for their loan modification program.
10. Is my lender required to modify my loan?
No. Mortgage lenders participate in the program on a voluntary basis and loans are evaluated for modification on a case-by-case basis. But the government is offering substantial incentives and it is expected that most major lenders will participate.
11. I’m already working with my lender / housing counselor on a loan workout. Can I still be considered for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
Ask your lender or counselor to be considered under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.
12. How do I apply for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
You may not need to do anything at this time. Most mortgage lenders will evaluate loans in their portfolio to identify borrowers who may meet the eligibility criteria. After March 4 they will send letters to potentially eligible homeowners, a process that may take several weeks.
If you think you qualify for a modification and do not receive a letter within several weeks, contact your mortgage servicer or www.AdjustMyLoan.com to see if you can participate in the program. Please be aware that servicers and counseling agencies are expected to receive an extraordinary number of calls about this program.
13.What should I do in the meantime?
You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender on or after March 4, when the modification program becomes available. This includes
· information about the monthly gross income of your household including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other
sources
· your most recent income tax return
· information about any second mortgage on the house
· payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and
· payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.
14.My loan is scheduled for foreclosure soon. What should I do?
