Why Loan Modification Beats Refinancing Your Mortgage
Modifying a mortgage loan has become much easier since the implementation of the Obama administration’s loan modification plan. This plan provides incentives to lenders to change the terms of an existing loan to make payments on Columbus houses more affordable to homeowners. In the past, getting a mortgage modification was far more difficult, since lenders had to bear certain costs of the process.
How to determine if you qualify
In order to qualify for Obama’s loan modification program, the home must be your primary residence, and you must have purchased your home before January 1, 2009. The Obama plan does not apply to jumbo loans, which in most cases means your loan amount can’t exceed $729,750; however, the allowable limit may be higher in high-cost housing areas.
Your first mortgage, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, must exceed 31% of your gross monthly income, and the program applies only to a first mortgage, not to any second mortgages or home equity lines of credit. Finally, you must be experiencing some type of financial hardship that makes it difficult for your to pay your mortgage. Common causes of financial hardship are job loss, a reduction in hours, illness, and divorce or separation.
After qualification comes the process
The first thing you need to do is to get in contact with the lender. Once you have done so, you then need to request the modification plan. Some lenders who are not part of the Obama plan will probably refuse. Those who are, and there are many, will agree to the plan.
Your next step is to get all the necessary paperwork in order. You will need to be able to provide evidence of your monthly income before tax,k the last tax return that you filed, if you have savings and/or assets then you are required to provide relevant info about them. You will also need to provide statements for the mortgage and loan and this includes your second mortgage if you have one, or else the home equity line of credit. To help make the process easier draw up a budget. Make sure that your monthly expenses, which includes your credit card and loan installments, whether it be a student loan, or something else.
Once you’ve gathered this information, you will go through the final process with your lender of negotiating the terms and completing the necessary paperwork.
Modification vs. Refinancing
When you refinance your mortgage all the closing costs and other fees become your responsibility. However, when it comes to the Obama plan there are no fees and even if you are late with your installments the late fees, or interest, can be waived. Unless your credit record is impeccable, it is highly unlikely that you will be granted refinance, because of the present state of the credit climate. So, cost and the ability to qualify are two of the main reasons why you should investigate the option of loan modification.
If you are late with payments, or you are not able to afford remaining in your home because of the usual costs when taking out a loan, then loan modification is just what you need. This is not to say that refinance is never a viable option, because it is. For one thing, you are able to gain access to the cash in your home equity through refinancing. Also, if you have equity in the home and you would like a better interest rate, this can be achieved through refinancing. And what is more, you can apply for the improved rates even if you do not qualify for the loan modification plan.
Doing your own loan modification is a simple process, and there is no need to pay the typical fees of $800 to $2,000 to hire a lawyer or service provider to negotiate the modification on your behalf. The Obama plan provides enough incentive to lenders that you can negotiate your own modification, provided you are well prepared and can make a good case that you’ll be able to pay your modified monthly payment.
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