Loan modification - status update
California official introduces loan modification bill
The thousands of Californians facing home foreclosure could have more help on the way, under legislation introduced by a Democratic candidate for state attorney general.
State Assemblyman Pedro Nava, D-Santa Barbara, wants to allow homeowners who have been served a notice of default to enlist the help of a state-appointed monitor to negotiate lenders with the goal of lowering monthly payments.
The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee headed by Nava on Thursday heard testimony about loan modification programs and the overall housing crisis.
“This crisis has devastated thousands of California families and communities. It’s time to take a new approach to help families remain in their homes,” Nava said, adding that existing loan modification programs have been “ineffective and the number of families benefiting from them is minimal.”
While working through the loan modification process, under Assembly Bill 1588, lenders would be unable to foreclose homes.
California had the second highest foreclosure rate in the nation last month, Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac said Thursday.
In October, 85,420 California properties received a foreclosure notice, down 1 percent from a month earlier, the firm said.
While home foreclosure filings fell 3 percent in October nationally, foreclosure filings are up 19 percent from a year ago, RealtyTrac said.
Nevada, which leads the nation in its rate of home foreclosures, has a loan modification program similar to the one Nava has proposed for California.
The Nevada program was enacted in May by the state Legislature there.
“No matter where we live, it is critical that we do all we can to help reduce the number of foreclosures and help people stay in their homes,” said Nevada Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, who testified in Sacramento about her state’s program.
“Our program in Nevada has shown initial success in stemming foreclosures. While I understand the obstacles California faces as a non-judicial foreclosure state, I look forward to working with the California Legislature to find ways that a similar program could be implemented,” she said.
In the one month the Nava program has been in effect, more than 3300 homeowners have requested mediation, with 1514 requests processed, 888 cases assigned to a mediator and 106 mediations completed, officials said.
So how to improve your chance of getting a loan modification to lower your interest rate and reduce your debt? Do your own research, understand how your bank operates and be prepared before you approach the bank. Debt Zero Programs at http://d0p.org is the most up to date, comprehensive and FREE information source on the internet on government programs for loan modification, affordable refinance and other government help for debt reduction.
For a complete DIY loan modification package, click here.
If you want to start a loan modification business to help others, click here.
Government report on the loan modification program
Today, the Obama Administration released the next monthly report for the Making Home Affordable (MHA) loan modification program. As part of an ongoing commitment to transparency, the report includes for the first time state-specific trial modification numbers. With more than 650,000 modifications under way across the country, the program is on track to meet its goals over the next several years.
“As this report demonstrates, struggling homeowners in every state now benefit from reduced monthly mortgage payments and have an opportunity to stay in their homes,” said Treasury Assistant Secretary Michael S. Barr. “The program is having a pronounced impact in areas particularly hard hit by the housing crisis. We’re reaching borrowers at a larger scale than any other modification program to date, but there is still much more work to be done.”
Going through the report, we can see that the number of trial modifications have increased every month, signifying that the program is gaining traction. Saxon, Citimortgage and GMAC are the top 3 runners for having the highest percentage of the eligible loans in trial modification. Large banks such as Bank of America, Wachovia and US bank continue to be in the poor performer group with less than 15% of the eligible loans in the trial plan. Wells Fargo has made a significant improvement in Oct and has by now put 29% of the eligible loans into trial modification.
California, Florida and Texas are among the state that the highest activity level in the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). The report also shows that the total home inventory in the country continues to drop, contributed by an increase in sale of existing homes.
So how to improve your chance of getting a loan modification to lower your interest rate and reduce your debt? Do your own research, understand how your bank operates and be prepared before you approach the bank. Debt Zero Programs at http://d0p.org is the most up to date, comprehensive and FREE information source on the internet on government programs for loan modification, affordable refinance and other government help for debt reduction.
For a complete DIY loan modification package, click here.
If you want to start a loan modification business to help others, click here.
Freddie Mac mortgage initiatives to help homeowners
Freddie Mac today released a report on its performance last quarter. Making Home Affordable (MHA) has been Freddie Mac number one focus and the centerpiece of its foreclosure-prevention efforts. During the quarter, Freddie Mac continued to enhance its infrastructure and capacity to support the MHA program, and saw significantly increased activity in both of its key programs – HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program) and the Freddie Mac Relief Refinance Mortgage(SM), which is Freddie Mac’s implementation of the Home Affordable Refinance program.
Based on information provided by the MHA program administrator, more than 88,000 trial period modifications were started on Freddie Mac loans through September 30, 2009 and approximately 471 HAMP loan modifications were completed.
The completion rate for HAMP loans, which is the percentage of loans that successfully exit the trial period due to the borrowers fulfilling the requirements for the modification, remains uncertain due to the number of new requirements of this program and the ability to obtain updated information from borrowers.
Freddie Mac has launched several initiatives to modify more loans under HAMP and to drive an increase in the number of successful trial period completions. As part of these efforts, Freddie Mac has:
Freddie Mac continued the purchase of refinance mortgages originated under the Freddie Mac Relief Refinance Mortgage(SM) during the quarter. The company helped refinance approximately 98,000 loans totaling $20 billion of unpaid principal balance as of September 30, 2009 under this program. Freddie Mac expects that the recent enhancements to the Freddie Mac Relief Refinance Mortgage(SM), which provide for the increase in the maximum allowable loan-to-value ratio up to 125 percent and the ability to refinance through any servicer and which became effective on October 1, 2009, will enable more borrowers to take advantage of the program in the coming quarters. As of September 30, 2009, Freddie Mac had refinanced over $300 billion in home loans during the year, creating an estimated $3.8 billion in aggregate annual interest savings for 1.5 million borrowers.
The company’s single-family foreclosure starts ratio, which reflects the number of single-family loans that entered the foreclosure process during the quarter as a percentage of the total number of loans in the company’s single-family portfolio at the end of the quarter, was 59 basis points in the third quarter of 2009. The single-family foreclosure starts ratio for the second quarter of 2009 was 62 basis points.
So how to improve your chance of getting a loan modification to lower your interest rate and reduce your debt? Do your own research, understand how your bank operates and be prepared before you approach the bank. Debt Zero Programs at http://d0p.org is the most up to date, comprehensive and FREE information source on the internet on government programs for loan modification, affordable refinance and other government help for debt reduction.
For a complete DIY loan modification package, click here.
If you want to start a loan modification business to help others, click here.
What interest rate will I get on my loan modification?
The purpose is loan modification program is to make the mortgage payment more affordable to homeowners. Interest rate reduction is one of the first steps that the government requires banks to take. Here are the guideline for interest rate on loan modification:
- The Interest Rate Floor (that is the minimum interest rate) for modified loans is 2%.
- The modified interest rate must remain in place for five years, after which time the interest rate will be gradually increased 1% (100 basis points) per year or such lesser amount as may be needed until it reaches the Interest Rate Cap.
- The Interest Rate Cap for the modified loan is the lesser of (i) the fully indexed and fully amortizing original contractual rate or (ii) the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey rate for 30-year fixed rate conforming mortgage loans, rounded to the nearest 0.125%, as of the date that the modification document is prepared (that is today rate, not the rate after 5 years).
- If the modified rate exceeds the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey rate in effect on the date the modification document is prepared, the modified rate will be the new note rate for the remaining loan term.
- No interest will accrue on the principal forbearance amount.
- If the option to forebear principal is selected, the servicer shall forbear on collecting the deferred portion of the Capitalized Balance until the earliest of (i) the maturity of the modified loan, (ii) a sale of the property, or (iii) a pay-off or refinancing of the loan.
Do your own research, understand how your bank operates and be prepared before you approach the bank. Debt Zero Programs at http://d0p.org is the most up to date, comprehensive and FREE information source on the internet on government programs for loan modification, affordable refinance and other government help for debt reduction.
For a complete DIY loan modification package, click here.
If you want to start a loan modification business to help others, click here.
Treasury and HUD called on Congress to approve key housing measures
Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan last Friday called on Congress to approve three important measures to improve housing and the housing market for Americans: extension of the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit for a limited period, extension of higher loan limits for home mortgages, and secure funding for the Housing Trust Fund.
“We welcome efforts taken by Congress to extend the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit for a limited period. This credit has brought new families into the housing market and contributed to three consecutive months of rising home prices nationwide”, said Secretaries Geithner and Donovan.“ In extending the credit, we urge Congress to include strict measures to combat tax fraud and protect responsible homeowners. We also urge Congress to act swiftly to extend the loan limits that currently apply to most mortgages, helping make rates more affordable for middle-class families. Finally, we will work with Congress to identify a financing source for the Housing Trust Fund, which will help provide decent housing for families hardest hit by the current economic downturn. ”
“These three measures will help support our efforts to stabilize the housing market by providing support for the recovery in housing prices, keeping mortgage rates low, and helping people who can afford their homes to avoid foreclosure ”, said Secretary Geithner.
HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said, “These three measures provide comprehensive support to our recovering housing market and continued access to affordable housing.“ While extending the tax credit and higher loan limits will help promote homeownership, funding the Housing Trust Fund will provide assistance to renter households impacted by the economic crisis.”
Fact Sheet on the three key housing measures:
Extend the First Time Homebuyer Credit, with strong anti-fraud measures
The Administration supports a limited extension of the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit, which is currently set to expire on December 1. This credit has made the difference in bringing new families into the housing market. Those buyers, in turn, have reduced the inventory of unsold homes and contributed to three months in a row of increases in home prices nationwide. A stronger housing market benefits homeowners and strengthens the financial system. In order to reinforce the progress already made this year, the Administration urges Congress to extend the Credit for a limited period. In doing so, we urge the Congress to include effective measures to combat tax fraud, including setting a minimum age for home purchase and requiring documentary proof of the purchase in order to receive the credit.
Extend Loan Limits for Mortgage Loans
The Administration supports a one-year extension of the current loan limits for the Federal Housing Administration, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. This extension is vital in helping support the continued availability of affordable mortgages for many working families and aiding the recovery in the housing markets. Under present law, the current loan limits will expire on December 31. Families are already applying for mortgages that are being turned down or priced higher due to this impending deadline. The extension of the loan limits is being considered in the upcoming Continuing Resolution, and we urge Congress to enact the extensions immediately in order to assure the smooth supply of capital to the housing market.
Secure Financing for the Housing Trust Fund
The Administration is committed to working with the Congress to fund the Housing Trust Fund. This Fund is an important source of support for extremely low income families who otherwise cannot afford decent housing. The Fund was created in the 2008 HERA legislation, but has not had an effective funding source and so has not been able to fulfill its important mission. While the President? s Budget proposed to fund the Housing Trust Fund for $1 billion, and fully offset it within the Budget, today the Administration is announcing that it will actively work with Congress to identify a specific offset to assure that level of financing for the Fund.
Many homeowners do not realize that they can apply for loan modification themselves without paying thoudsands of dollars to others – many are scams. The process is simple, straight forwards and the government has set it out so that it is fair and easy for homeowners. Debt Zero Programs at http://d0p.org is the most up to date, comprehensive and FREE information source on the internet for homeowners about the government programs.
For a complete DIY loan modification package, click here.
If you want to start a loan modification business to help others, click here.
125,000 trial loan modifications so far with Bank of America, did you get yours?
Starting November 1st, Bank of America’s will have surpassed its goal of providing 125,000 trial loan modifications through the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). These modifications, part of the Making Home Affordable Program, aim to resolve loan issues by offering an incentive for banks to accept modifications to a loans terms, rather than simply foreclosing on the home.
Casting a Wide Net
Bank of America was one of the earliest to run trial modifications under the new program, and since then has dramatically increased the number of homeowners enrolled in these trials. Since the program was created, the Bank has contacted over 600,000 homeowners, and extended modification offers to more than 200,000. That means nearly one in five of the HAMP modifications in the US have been initiated by Bank of America.
Because of this high level of involvement, home loan modification trials offered by Bank of America are being watched closely as a test of the efficiency and effectiveness of the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program.
Signs of Success
Thus far, modification has appeared to be much more profitable for both parties than simple foreclosure. As we wrote earlier this month in an article on HAMP and loan servicers, foreclosures can be very expensive for the lending institution, costing up to $50,000 or more per foreclosure. Bank of America states that it has seen substantial gains in its trial period loan modifications, and that if this progress continues, they may convert to permanent modifications in November.
Improve your chance of getting a loan modification
Ultimately, as a homeowner, you can improve your chance of getting a loan modification by doing your own research and be prepared when you approach your lender. Debt Zero Programs at http://d0p.org is the most up-to-date, comprehensive and accurate FREE source on the internet for government information on loan modification, mortgage refinance and other government help on debt reduction.
For a complete DIY loan modification package, click here.
If you want to start a loan modification business to help others, click here.
Source: http://www.mybanktracker.com/bank-news/2009/10/30/bank-of-america-helps-125000-homeowners-with-making-home-affordable-loan-modifications/
Government hotline for information on loan modification scams
The Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) today announced that its Homeowner’s HOPE(TM) Hotline, 888-995-HOPE(TM), has been selected as the point of contact for homeowners seeking assistance, protection and information on loan modification scams.
In March 2009, Congress appropriated a $6 million grant to NeighborWorks(R) America to develop a national public education campaign about loan modification scams affecting communities across the nation. The “Loan Modification Scam Alert” campaign, launched on October 26, educates homeowners about loan modification scams and empowers them to protect their homes. The Homeowner’s HOPE(TM) Hotline is the central point of contact for homeowners who think they may be a victim of a scam.
“HPF is proud to provide the Hotline to facilitate expeditious and professional responses to homeowner inquiries about scams,” said Colleen Hernandez, president and CEO of the Homeownership Preservation Foundation. “Together with NeighborWorks, HUD, the FTC, Treasury and the Lawyer’s Committee, we will address this growing problem and protect American homeowners.”
Experienced Hotline counselors serving on the newly instated HPF Hotline Escalation Scam Team will help remedy the situations of those who have fallen victim to scams. These counselors will then connect homeowners with other resources including a member of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law for free legal assistance, as well as the official loan modification scam alert website at www.LoanScamAlert.com.
“With HPF and the Hotline’s support, this campaign will able to provide a strong educational component, complemented by an enforcement effort led by the Lawyers Committee,” continued Hernandez. “Not only are we able to connect scam victims to seasoned HUD-approved housing and loan modification scam counselors, homeowners will also have free access to pro-bono attorneys who will review their case and work closely with state AG offices, the FTC, as well as local law enforcement to prosecute cases as appropriate. We are proud to work with these organizations in order to provide the best solutions for and protections to homeowners at risk of falling victim to the growing number of loan modification scams.”
Since 2003, the Homeownership Preservation Foundation has been dedicated to reducing foreclosures and preserving homeownership in the U.S. More than 1.4 million homeowners have called the Hotline in 2009, and more than 340,000 have participated in housing counseling sessions.
Ultimately, as a homeowner, you can improve your chance of getting a loan modification by doing your own research and be prepared when you approach your lender. Debt Zero Programs at http://d0p.org is the most up-to-date, comprehensive and accurate FREE source on the internet for government information on loan modification, mortgage refinance and other government help on debt reduction.
For a complete DIY loan modification package, click here.
If you want to start a loan modification business to help others, click here.
New government study warned millions more foreclosures
Federal Reserve Board today released a working paper on the Home Affordable Loan Modification Program. The study indicated that HAMP is not adequate in preventing many foreclosures. The report said that millions of foreclosures are likely to occur over the next couple of years. House price declines have led to a sharp deterioration in the financial situation of many homeowners, leaving them less willing or able to afford even reduced mortgage payments. HAMP modifications are not well-suited to address many cases where homeowners have suffered a large temporary decline in income, as might be the result of job loss. In particular, because the modification calls for a reduction in the ratio of payments to income based on the current level of income, a reduction that would not be reversed if income were to return to its previous level, the required modification in such cases will often be too costly to qualify the program.
In addition, the program may not be very effective when the value of the mortgage greatly exceeds the value of the home. Some borrowers who believe that there is little prospect for house prices to recover enough to put the mortgage “above water” within some reasonable period of time will not participate in the program and instead walk away from their mortgages. Worse yet, other borrowers may shift beliefs only after entering the program; these borrowers are likely to default after many of the costs associated with the modification have already been borne.
The study also discusses the cost of foreclosure, in which it said the costs of this rise in foreclosures are substantial. Historically, about half of foreclosure starts have resulted in borrowers losing their properties, and—given the current weak financial situations of U.S. households and the strains facing mortgage servicers—the proportion is likely to be higher in the current crisis. Families that are displaced are likely to have depleted their financial resources and impaired their credit and thus likely to have difficulty relocating. If they are forced to move significant distances, they may lose their jobs and suffer other disruptions to family life.
Neighbors and communities can also suffer when a property is foreclosed upon. Clusters of vacant properties are often associated with higher rates of vandalism and crime, and lower house prices throughout the neighborhood. Municipal governments may have to spend more to address these problems and may be strained by the lower tax revenue associated with lower house prices. More broadly, high rates of foreclosure are adding to the oversupply of housing, reinforcing the weakness in the housing sector, and, in turn,
presenting a significant hindrance to economic recovery.
The completion of a foreclosure can also impose costs on financial institutions. In the current environment, many such properties are either sold at a considerable loss or remain on lenders’ books, adding to the already considerable strains faced by these institutions. Estimates of loss severities, that is, the percent of a loan’s balance that is lost in a foreclosure, have increased significantly in the past 18 months and now are close to 50 percent for prime, 60 percent for near prime, and more than 70 percent for subprime mortgages (these figures exclude certain costs, so the actual loss is even higher).
Ultimately, as a homeowner, you can improve your chance of getting a loan modification by doing your own research and be prepared when you approach your lender. Debt Zero Programs at http://d0p.org is the most up to date, comprehensive and FREE information source on the internet for government information on loan modification, mortgage refinance and other government help on debt reduction.
For a complete DIY loan modification package, click here.
If you want to start a loan modification business to help others, click here.
How to improve your chance of getting permanent loan modification
While the government is touting a success for the Home Affordable Program, homeowners are far from being relieved. Data showed that out of the half of million homes went into the trial period of the Home Affordable Loan Modification program, only few thousands have been converted into permanent modification. Homeowners are supposed to get all the paperwork in place during the trial period, ready for the conversion. Some argues that many homeowners are not aware of all the paperwork that is required during this stage for conversion. Other argues that servicers are to blame, citing homeowners’ complaints of having to fax in paper work multiple times. The government now has reduced the paperwork requirement and provide 2 month extension to the 3 month trial period to allow homeowners and servicers to get the paperwork in place. The number will be coming out soon to see if this effort from the government is helping in producing more permanent loan modification.
Another piece of missing data is how many homeowners are not even aware of the government helping programs. Many large banks handle the Home Affordable Program applicants through the phone only, leaving their own staff at physical branches entirely inadequately trained to help customers on the topic. So if homeowners were wondering into a branch asking for the information, chances are they will be turned away because they are not qualified for the traditional loan criteria. If by shear luck, the person is given a phone number to call, they will have to be settled with hours on the call, listening to automated options and being transferred 4 or 5 times between one place to another, just to get the basic information about the program.
Are you still wondering why it is so difficult to get loan modification? Clearly the banks, especially the major banks, are not doing enough to help homeowners. There are research that indicated that servicers will make more money in a foreclosure than by helping homeowners through the Loan Modification Program. The $1000 government incentive for Servicer is clearly not enough.
So how can you improve your chance for loan modification? Do your own research, understand how your bank operates and be prepared before you approach the bank. Debt Zero Programs at http://d0p.org is the most up to date, comprehensive and FREE information source on the internet on government programs for loan modification, affordable refinance and other government help for debt reduction. You don’t need to pay thousands of dollars to get help. You don’t have to do it alone either. The help is here and FREE.
For a complete DIY loan modification package, click here.
If you want to start a loan modification business to help others, click here.
Loan Modification Scam Alert
Today in Los Angeles, a partnership of local, state and national government agencies, nonprofit organizations and financial institutions gathered at City Hall to launch a national public education campaign designed to help homeowners protect themselves against loan modification scams, find trusted help and report illegal activity to authorities. This was the first of several kickoff events scheduled to announce the “Loan Modification Scam Alert” campaign rollout in major cities across the country.
The national foreclosure rate has reached an all-time high of 7.97 percent, and millions more foreclosures are expected in coming years. “As the foreclosure rate grows, more and more homeowners are being deceived by scam artists who prey on their fears,” said Eileen Fitzgerald, Chief Operating Officer of NeighborWorks America. “This campaign is based on the belief that knowledge is the best defense, which is why the campaign equips homeowners with the tools they need to minimize their risk and stop scammers in their tracks.”
Los Angeles is one of several metropolitan areas in California to consistently rank among cities with the highest foreclosure rates. It has the highest number of homes in foreclosure in the nation. “Too many residents in Los Angeles, like homeowners nationwide, are losing thousands of dollars and their homes to scam artists who make big promises and then do little or nothing to help them save their homes,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “Anyone can be a victim and the people of Los Angeles need to know what
resources are available to them. They need to know that legal aid groups, financial institutions, and HUD-certified counselors are offering free services to anyone seeking help.”
In April, Mayor Villaraigosa announced a path breaking city ordinance to increase protections for Angelenos against fraudulent mortgage loan modifications. This measure – the first of its kind in the United States -
fills a critical gap in the regulation of mortgage consultants and grants rights to homeowners at risk of foreclosure. The ordinance protects homeowners, imposes harsher penalties on scam artists, and informs Angelenos of their rights as residents of Los Angeles.
In addition to remarks from Mayor Villaraigosa and Ms. Fitzgerald of NeighborWorks, the kickoff event featured representatives from LA City Council, the local faith-based community, the Federal Trade Commission and Los
Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. Also present were local homeowners who shared their personal experiences with loan modification scams to inform other homeowners in their community about this activity.
NeighborWorks America will coordinate the nationwide effort through its 235 community-based affiliates and other local, state and national partner organizations, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
Together, the partners aim to reach thousands of distressed homeowners in hundreds of communities at high risk for fraud activity. The campaign will target all audiences, but its resources are focused sharpest on those groups that have already seen high levels of scam activity, including seniors, Hispanics, African Americans and Asian Americans.
As part of the campaign, information, resources and reporting capabilities are now available around the clock at www.LoanScamAlert.org and by calling 1-888-995-HOPE (4673). Community groups may also visit the Web site to access campaign materials available for download and distribution in their area.
Through real-life scam stories, collateral materials, print advertising, local radio PSAs, events, word of mouth and social media activity, the campaign will educate the public about the warning signs of a loan modification scam. “Borrowers must avoid any individual or firm that asks for a fee in advance, guarantees a loan modification or tells you to pay them instead of paying the mortgage. Only a lender can guarantee a loan modification and they do not charge,” said Lori Gay, president and chief executive officer of campaign partner Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., one of the 235 organizations in the NeighborWorks network.
Homeowners are also urged to report scam activity at once to the proper authorities through the campaign Web site and hotline. “We want to stress how crucial it is for people to learn the signs of a scam and quickly report any encounter that just doesn’t ring true,” said Tom Syta, assistant director of the FTC’s Western Region. “Scammers are out there trying to take advantage of people in a tough spot. The campaign is making it easier for homeowners in distress to fight back, and help us shut scam artists down.”
For a complete DIY loan modification package, click here.
If you want to start a loan modification business to help others, click here.
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Recent Posts
- California official introduces loan modification bill
- Electronic signatures are now accepted for loan modification program
- More stringent requirements on banks to process loan modification applications
- Government report on the loan modification program
- Freddie Mac mortgage initiatives to help homeowners
- You can now request specific information about your HAMP evaluation
- Banks must notify you within 10 days of HAMP decision
- What interest rate will I get on my loan modification?
- Treasury and HUD called on Congress to approve key housing measures
- 125,000 trial loan modifications so far with Bank of America, did you get yours?
- Government hotline for information on loan modification scams
- New government study warned millions more foreclosures
- Hardship affidavit required for permanent loan modification
- How to improve your chance of getting permanent loan modification
- Principal forgiveness in loan modification under HAMP has no tax consequences