One of the most heartbreaking ways to lose your home is if you can’t make your mortgage payments or if you’ve fallen behind on them. For borrowers who are in a situation where their house is on the verge of foreclosure, there is still some hope. Introducing… Loan Modification.
In a nutshell, loan modifications can make your life stress free by ensuring you pay your current mortgage and save your home from foreclosure.
In this article, we will take a deeper look at what loan modification is all about.
Little More about Loan Modification
A loan modification occurs when the lender changes the loan terms. Loan Modification is an acceptable agreement between the lender and borrower. In it, the lender gets paid and the borrower keeps the house. The modification may be a decrease in the interest rate, extend of the payback period, or a new type of loan.
In most cases, loan modifications are only available in circumstances wherein the borrower is unable to make full payments and their credit is not sufficient to refinance the loan.
For such cases, the option of refinancing is the ideal solution.
Under What Circumstance Should A Borrower Choose The Loan Modification Route?
Loan Modification is a tool for people who are in a lot of trouble and have no other way to save their homes. It is not for everyone, and it is important to speak with a professional to see if it is the best option for your particular situation.
A borrower who is experiencing a temporary setback is eligible to request help from the lender with their mortgage. In some instances, a lower payment could help the borrower get through the difficult patch and prevent foreclosure on their home.
Generally, loan modifications occur when one is unable to repay the original loan. The attorney or workout company will help you negotiate modification procedures.
How Do Loan Modifications Work?
Although loan modifications can be requested for any type of loan, the most typical loans for which they are requested are secured loans such as mortgages. In the event of possible foreclosure, the lender may be open to modifying the terms of the loan after he/she has concluded that a foreclosure would be a more expensive route than a loan modification which is beneficial to both parties in the long run.
Are You Qualified For A Loan Modification?
It’s not possible to get a loan modification for everyone who’s having a hard time paying their mortgage. To be eligible, homeowners must either be behind on their mortgage payments or be delinquent— they are paying now but there is a risk that they will delay.
Some of the eligibility criteria for a loan modification include job loss, spouse death, and permanent physical or mental issues/injuries that render you disabled and unable to repay the mortgage.
What Are The Benefits of modifying your Loan?
One of the main benefits of an extended term is that it directly affects your annual interest rate. Your 30-year mortgage can become a 40-year mortgage. In exchange for this, you will receive the following benefits:
• A reduced fee makes it possible to provide the borrower with some respite to make it through.
• The opportunity to keep the house as banks would choose to avoid going through the costly process of foreclosure whenever possible.
Loan modifications allow the homeowner to continue making payments. While at the same time keeping the house is the most beneficial resolution for both concerned parties.
What Are Some of the Drawbacks Of Getting a Loan Modification?
A modification to an existing loan may be a costly but necessary lifeline. The following are the drawback of choosing this path:
• Your loan will most likely end up costing you more money in the long run. This indicates that the greater the number of years added, the more interest you will pay throughout the course of the loan.
• Loan modification is a time-consuming process. We need to get all the necessary documentation such as pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns. Also, you have to fill out a spreadsheet that compares your income to your expenses. It is mandatory for loans to get modified. You will need to submit a hardship statement explaining why you need a loan modification.
• Depending on how serious your situation is, your loan modification will not approve. You need to provide evidence that you are capable of repaying the loan to win the lender’s trust. If you are actually unable to afford the home, the bank may decide to deny your request for loan modifications. Bank may leave you with the option to short-sell your house.
Loan Modification Programs for You.
- 1. Conventional loan modification (Flex Modification Program) – If you want conventional mortgages, you have the option to go through FMP. FMP will help you reduce monthly payments by 20%. Also, you can extend the term up to 40 years and lower the interest rate.
- FHA loan modification – FHA loans include various strategies for borrowers. It gives them the option to reduce payments with an interest-free loan for 30% of the borrower’s balance. The borrowers will only have to pay the remaining part of the loan. After that, he can pay an interest-free loan when the home is about to sell. In this Pandemic, the borrowers also have the option to get a lower rate and also a 25% cut on the monthly payments. FHA borrowers have the option to extend loan terms up to 40 years.
- VA Loan modification –Borrowers with VA Loan can add their missed payments back to their loan balance. Borrowers will work with lenders for a new manageable repayment schedule. They also have an option o extend their loan.
- USDA loan modification – Borrowers backed with USDA loans have the option of modifying the mortgage. It gives an option for you to extend the term for 4o years, lowered the interest rate, and get a “mortgage recovery advance”. All these programs in the end increase the loan balance due and the total interest paid. If you have a permanent loss of income your best bet might be selling and moving to a less expensive home or renting.
How to apply for Loan Modification?
1. Collect data about your financial position.
2. Make a plan for your case.
3. Contact your servicer
What Happens to Your Credit Score When You Get a Loan Modification?
If you are considering going for a loan modification, chances are your credit score has already slipped. The majority of the borrowers involved in the procedure are already past due on their payments.
While you’re going ahead with the loan modification process, the “paying by modified terms” remark is on your credit report.
While you’re paying your loan on time, there may be a chance to have a positive impact on your credit score. This positive impact in turn makes up for the previous negative impact.
If you are not sure about this, there is an option for refinancing the loan at a later date as well if necessary.
To know more about the options available to you, contact Elite Properties NYC, one of the companies that buy houses for cash in any condition.