Monday, July 11, 2011

Modification Program: bama's Loan Modification Program - Who Will Qualify For Help?

By John Roney


As more and more people fall prey to the financial crisis, the Bank of America home loan modification program

? Here are some general guidelines for eligibility: Homeowners must live in the property as their primary residence. Loan must have been originated prior to January 1, 2009. Not required to be delinquent on payments, but must demonstrate financial hardship now or in the near future. Must be able to provide proof of income and have a current mortgage payment that is greater than 31% of your gross monthly income. Loan amounts of $729,750 or less for 1 unit properties-higher for 2-4 units


What are the primary features that will be offered to qualified homeowners to arrive at an affordable payment based on 31% of their gross monthly income? Reduce interest rates to as lower as 2%. Extend loan terms to 40 years
Principal reduction with the Government sharing in the costs with lenders. What is the formula the lenders will use to determine who qualifies? Arrive at a target payment by multiplying the gross monthly household income by 31%
Subtract the monthly costs for homeowners insurance, property taxes, and any homeowners dues = the new principal and interest payment. Using the current loan amount, reduce the interest rate to as low as 2%, extend the term to 40 years and if necessary defer or forgive some principal balance to achieve the target payment
If the target payment can be reached using the standard methods of modification, then the homeowner is a good candidate for assistance.
While this loan modification program is voluntary, most lenders and servicers are expected to participate. The Federal government is offering financial incentives in the form of $500 payments to servicers and $1500 to mortgage holders that offer a loan modification program to their borrowers as well an annual payments. In addition, homeowners who stay current on their new modified loan will be given a monetary incentive for each year they remain current, for a total of $5000 at the end of 5 years.

Tip #2: Get A Detailed Hardship Letter Drafted- The Bank of America home loan modification program is no different from other programs and one of the key pillars of qualification is a well presented hardship letter. The letter should be concise and accurate. It is very important that your letter gives a clear picture of your circumstances, how you got there and what steps you have taken to remedy the situation. The letter should also convey 'need' since you'll be vying for funds that are limited. Try to evoke compassion without appearing to beg.

The good news is that successful borrowers will also be given a financial incentive for keeping their new modified loan current. The incentive will grow for each month that the payments are made on time, with a possible $1000 bonus that will be applied directly to their mortgage balance for each year the payments are current, for a totoal of 5 years. Now is the time for financially strapped borrowers to begin learning more about how to qualify for this loan modification program and submit their paperwork for approval. Help is available for borrowers who know how to get it-make sure you do everything you can to save your home.

The above three tips can help you make the best of the modification loan process but you can get even better results if you use the services of a loan modification company. They'll assist you drafting an effective hardship letter and presenting a compelling on your behalf. I highly recommend obtaining a free loan modification evaluation in order to determine the best course of action based on your financial situation.




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