The first step in obtaining a mortgage modification is for the homeowner to apply to their bank, loan servicing organization or the investor holding their mortgage for a modification. This requires the homeowner to fill out a mortgage modification application and provide the documentation requested. The modification should also contain a hardship letter explaining that the homeowner has had a legitimate hardship situation that will motivate the bank loan servicer or investor to cooperate with them concerning obtaining a mortgage modification. In addition, most mortgage modification applications require the submission of tax returns, bank statements and pay stubs by the homeowner.
Home Affordable Mortgage Program (HAMP)
The federal mortgage lending program called HAMP is a program created by President Obama’s administration. This program does not work well. Approximately one homeowner in five is successful in obtaining a mortgage modification under this program. Many homeowners presume that they will be given a mortgage modification if they simply submit an application. This is simply not the case. The large majority of homeowners who submit mortgage modifications will never obtain a mortgage modification.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Many homeowners who come to my office presume that the financial institutions which hold their mortgages are interested in helping them. Unfortunately, that is generally not the case. The financial institutions which hold mortgages are interested in making money! If they find the homeowner does not meet their criteria related to the profitability of the mortgage, they usually will not grant a mortgage modification. Banks and other financial institutions are not social service agencies. They are financial institutions which seek to make a profit that benefits their shareholders. Not all homeowners are good candidates for mortgage modifications. However, there is a way of maximizing the potential of obtaining a mortgage modification. When homes are in foreclosure, and the homeowner retains counsel who submits numerous affirmative defenses and countersues the bank to set the mortgage aside, the banks and their attorneys pay more attention to the applications of these homeowners for modifications. This can increase the homeowners chances of obtaining a reasonable and fair mortgage modification. This is an example of the expression, “the squeaky wheel gets more grease.”
