What The Banks Don’t Want You To Know

  • vaultThe banks are not really interested in taking your house especially with the real estate market being in the state that it is. Despite this, do not hesitate to resolve any issue with your mortgage because there are many Americans who are losing their homes every day.
  • Homeowners can modify their own loans but it is not recommended. When a bank is attempting to reposes your house it is like someone suing you for the value of your home. In any other situation where someone was seeking such an amount of money, you would most likely not negotiate yourself, but seek out professional counsel. It’s foolish to take a chance with something of such importance as your home.
  • According to the Office of Comptroller of Currency (OCC), in the first and second quarter of 2008, after eight months 58% of borrowers had re-defaulted on their loan modification, pointing out that it may be because the modifications were not aggressive enough to be affordable.
  • You need more than just an attorney or an attorney backed company,  you need a team of professionals who understand finance, budget, debt relief, mortgage underwriting and debt to income ratios to have a fair chance to be successful in your home loan modification and be able to maintain your home in many years to come, not just in the short run.
  • Banks are aware that homeowners are not experienced in aggressive negotiations to insure that their interests are protected and that their situation is resolved and not simply an extension of time until they lose your home. Often times they offer up non aggressive solutions.  An attorney or attorney backed company will need to position your offers within the limits of governing laws.  This requires skill and experience, which they will have given that the nature of the practice of law is real estate
  • What you do and don’t disclose to a bank can make the difference of being qualified or disqualified for a loan modification. What you show on your financial worksheet can make or break your application. What you put in your hardship can also have an effect. Seeking professional counsel or an attorney backed company that is reputable and legitimate will help to avoid such matters.
  • The basis of any mortgage is contract law and when you purchase a home, you sign documents.  These documents are contracts that are enforceable by law, which is why your lender can foreclose on your property.  Any loan modification begins with a meticulous look at your mortgage terms, as they may govern certain aspects of the type of relief you seek.
  • An agreement needs to be executed; After all of the terms of your new loan modification have been analyzed and the terms and numbers have been negotiated properly, a new agreement needs to be executed. Lenders are known for the red tape and fine print that exists in these often enormous documents, and you need to understand all of the terms that bind you before signing any agreement.  You will need advice regarding these new terms and what is expected of you.