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Why Do I Have to Miss Mortgage Payments to Get Some HELP!?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Property Xchange Solutions Property Wholesaler

 

 

This issue has to be addressed NOW!

I hope this message clears it up for many of you out there scratching your heads.

You know, it really amazes me how many times I get a call from someone who is struggling to pay their mortgage, and tells me they have talked to their lender or some other loan modification company, and were told they need to miss a few payments in order to get some help.

Well, we all know why the lender's may be communicating this to the distressed homeowner. Because they have too much on their plate. There's just not enough manpower to handle the amount of requests for loan modifications. So they will tell the homeowner they need to be late for them to take it seriously. Sounds like a good enough excuse right? WRONG!

As for a lot of these "loan mod companies", what could their reason be to advise you to miss a few mortgage payments? Well, unfortunately, it's usually the same as to what the lenders are saying. But the reasoning is a little different. Did you know the majority of loan mod companies do not utilize Attorneys to negotiate for their clients? Let me tell you what this means. There is no negotiating. A package is submitted to the lender, which you can do yourself, by the way. The lender comes back with either a denial, a re-payment plan, or a "loan mod". These new terms are mailed directly to you from the lender. Do you see any negotiating in that? Nope. Basically, the so-called loan modification company is at the lender's mercy, just like you would be if you dealt directly with them. What if the new terms don't suit you? Well too bad, they did their job. That's what you most likely will be told.

Now, with that being said, of course if you miss a few payments the lenders will see you as a direct threat as far as foreclosure is concerned. So these other mod companies have a better chance at getting a more suitable modification. It's not promised, though, because remember, these new terms will not be negotiated.

On the other hand, if you have attorneys working on your behalf, what does their job consist of? Representing you, fighting for you, Negotiating. Attorneys use leverage meaning, they can present your case to your lender in a way that shows you have exhausted your savings, 401k, or credit cards just trying to pay your mortgage payment on time. They can also present them with proof of your hardship, finances, and budget which will build a profile for you and your unique situation. A forensic loan audit should be part of their services as well, which in most cases will add more ammo to your case. All of this, shows an immediate threat to your lender. Which means you will get better results with out having to damage your credit by intentionally falling behind on your payments. You can get help before you are late!

I know what your next question is. Is it more expensive to hire an attorney based company than it is with a company who is not? The answer is.... no. Not with us it's not. In most cases we are more affordable. I can't speak for anyone else. But anyway, that's another topic.

Here is another one of my blogs in retrospect to this one. Why Did My Lender Turn Down My Modification Application?

This is why so many of you are turning to outside help. It's too emotionally draining to handle on your own, and besides, most people don't know how to even begin to negotiate with their lender. It's best and more rewarding to put this chaos in an expert's hands. I advise you to utilize an attorney or attorney based company. Attorneys have a strong presence when presenting your case to them. There is strategy and an intended battle to help your case along. No matter what company or Attorney you choose, make sure you do extensive research to ensure legitimacy.

I have complied a handful of companies who:

1. Are members of the BBB with a Good rating or in good standing with the Bar Association  if they are an Attorney
2. Are attorney based or a Law Firm who oversees the files or does the actual negotiating
3. Have proof of success
4. Have passed my legitimacy test (scam free, and researched thoroughly through reliable resources, contracts reviewed, and imperative questions answered)
5. Have reasonable fees and have a Money Back Guarantee
6. Have the clients best interest in mind
7. Are structured and organized
8. Are in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines
9. Are helping homeowners in the State you reside in

As you can see this takes a lot of footwork and many hours to develop. Each company is unique in their own way and offer different services and have variable fees. After speaking with you about your unique situation and having evaluated your circumstances, I will suggest someone who suits your needs, explain the process, and will be there every step of the way.

 


I have many blogs that are intended for the public to be informed and get honest answers. That is hard to come by on the Internet. I have taken it upon myself to look out for your best interest whether it benefits me or not. There is so much self gratification just knowing I am helping thousands, if not, millions of you become more and more informed so that you can determine what's best for your family, on a no- pressure basis.

Note: I present information to the public that is factual, and to the point. Many of you out there just want honest answers and to know who to trust with your most valuable asset. Sometimes, I won't tell you what you want to hear, but you will get the truth.

I am more than happy to speak with you and advise you to the best of my knowledge. (877) 646-4331

***If you found this information helpful please comment. When people leave comments, others are able to find this information with ease. That's how Active Rain works! Stay active!****

Take Care and God Bless!

More Helpful Blogs:

How to Avoid Loan Modification / Loss Mitigation Scams

Loan Mitigation Services FAQ's

Investors Facing Foreclosure

Why won't my lender won't work with me?

How to Prevent Foreclosure on Your Investment Property

www.KeepYourProperty.info



C Thompson

Loss Mitigation Case Manager

407-219-8739

Toll Free: 1-(877)-646-4331

 

www.keepyourproperty.info

 

 

Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Callie, great post.  I have some clients that would love to keep their home if the bank would accept a write down of the principal.  But, they insist on a short sale and the bank will receive considerably less then the current owners would have agreed to.

May 06, 2009 11:39 PM
Svetlana Stolyarova
Local-n-Global Realty, Cleveland and International Real Estate Solution - Mayfield Heights, OH
Local-n-Global Realty, Broker 216-548-4663

Callie - very good article. Thanks to Featured, your blog is presented to many of us.

I was reading few of your posts and would love to re-blog one regarding the foreclosure procedure in Ohio. However you do not allow re-blogging. I wish I could spread your posts for the benefits of our readers.

 

May 07, 2009 12:17 AM
Jeffrey Burnham
Choice One Properties & Mgt - Las Vegas, NV
The Wizard

I'm curious. I have helped many clients renegotiate their mortgage...but have yet to have any rpincipal reduced (on a 1st note anyway.) Have you had any success with this?

 

Jeff Burnham, Rosen & Co. Las Vegas NV

May 07, 2009 02:02 AM
Anonymous
Joe Patton

C,

Do you work in UT ?  I run into people all the time that I have no idea how to really help.  I cant tell you how often I hear from a consumer that had somebody tell them to "stop making payments".  Like that is going to create good will with your lender??  I have an idea, before we ask the lenders for a big favor, lets "pee in their pool" and see if that will soften them up to our situation!  Anyone who tells a consumer to stop making their payments should be publicly flogged.  People listen to that kind of nonsense, especially when times are tough and the so called advice is coming from a so called professional.  Your service is the kind of thing that could build some serious good will with the consumer and keep alot of people from killing their credit and up-rooting their whole life. 

This situation of a loan mod acutall could fit my own needs.  I wanted to re-fi my own mortgage to take advantage of these low rates.  (I could cut my rate by 1.5% and lower my monthly pymt. by a couple hundred bucks) untill I was told by every lender I talked to (including the one that currently holds my mortgage) that unless I had 2 years of provable income and that I actually showed a profit that could cover my payment, that there was no way I was gonna get a re-fi done regardless of my great pymt. history and excellent credit score.  Now I dont know how any other Realtors/commission paid sales people run their finances, but my middle name is write off.  I still find it funny that after making "no money" over that last 2 years that I've never missed a pymt. on any of my bills...  I guess the money to pay those bills has been materializing from thin air... 

Keep up the good work C and help as many peole as you can. 

Joe the Agent - Keller Williams Success

May 07, 2009 02:33 AM
#10
Callie Thompson
Property Xchange Solutions - Frederick, MD
Property Xchange Solutions

MARTE- Unfortunately there are fraud mod companies popping up everywhere. I will tell you this, the FTC is on the hunt and will bring them down. Consumers are getting smarter and becoming more leery which is good. It's time to look for facts and honesty, rather than trying to get a warm fuzzy feeling when searching for help.

May 07, 2009 02:44 AM
Callie Thompson
Property Xchange Solutions - Frederick, MD
Property Xchange Solutions

ROYCE- I know your frustration and have seen it in many people that I have talked to. Yes, it is true that lenders are turning away good folks who have fell on bad times but who still manage to stay current. But, the reasoning is a little different than what you think. They do not have enough manpower to handle all of the loan mod requests, so they usually will deny the people that have not fallen behind yet. The problem is, they don't advise you to seek outside help (hiring an Attorney). So, in most cases people give up and continue to struggle until finally there is no other alternative but to fall behind. This is why it's important to hire someone to help you with this.

As for your comment about the people couldn't afford the original loan who are struggling and getting mod help. First I would like to say that you have to remember, the lender was willing to approve these loans. This is sometimes psychological for the home buyer. Originally they may have thought they couldn't afford it but talk themselves into going for it with intentions to get a 2nd job or an expected raise in the near future. There is a lot more to this subject but just remember these home buyers were seeking professional advice before making their final decision, therefore there are probably more people to blame for these bad loans.

May 07, 2009 02:53 AM
Callie Thompson
Property Xchange Solutions - Frederick, MD
Property Xchange Solutions

KRISTI- The foreclosure crisis has definitely resulted in a domino affect.

May 07, 2009 02:55 AM
Callie Thompson
Property Xchange Solutions - Frederick, MD
Property Xchange Solutions

LISSA- Unfortunately this happens a lot. It is important when researching a mod company or Attorney to find compassion. Otherwise, it just becomes another lost file.

May 07, 2009 02:57 AM
Callie Thompson
Property Xchange Solutions - Frederick, MD
Property Xchange Solutions

GABE- Seems a little backwards right? That they would consider a short sale and writing off the loan, rather than agreeing to reduce the principle, of course qualify them for the new payment, and at least make some interest off of it. It is very hard to get a principle reduction right now. But it does happen. Usually the lenders will go to any lengths to lower the payment to avoid cutting the principle down.

May 07, 2009 03:01 AM
Michael Loeb
TGC Financial - Port St Lucie, FL

Good point Gabe...  

I was thinking about this over the past few days.  What is better for the bank, a loss on REO, or a reduced cash flow.

If a bank agrees to write down a mortgage with 27 years left on it by 20% which would allow the mortgagor to stay in the house, the bank receives continued cash flow on the asset (mortgage).  Then allow the bank to amortise the loss on what they wrote down over 10 years, instead of having to take the loss immediately.  Should the home owner sell the home within the next ten years at a profit (over the balance of the mortgage) then the bank gets to participate in the profit at some declining percentage. (declining over time).%

This creates cash flow for the bank, albeit 20% less, a structured write down of an asset, a 20% reduction in mortgage payment for the homeowner.  If 20% reduction isn't good enough for the homeowner to keep the home then this is a situation that they shouldn't have been in anyway.  If the problem is caused by the homeowner lossing their job, then no modification would help.  If the 20% reduction still isn't enough to keep a house from being "underwater", tough cookies.  No one is refunding my 401K money that I lost in the dot com bubble burst either.

Maybe the mentality of the banks is get the garbage off the books ASAP.  Under TARP that is what was supposed to happen.  The Treasury was going to purchase all the bad loans, bad paper, day old coffee, whatever.. from the banks.  It never turned out that way and never will.  If the banks were told that the govt spigot has been turned off, fend for yourselves and figure it out, they would.

 

 

 

May 07, 2009 03:01 AM
Callie Thompson
Property Xchange Solutions - Frederick, MD
Property Xchange Solutions

Svetlana: I am not too familiar with the reblogging method. I will look into it and may just allow it. Bookmark my Ohio page and keep an eye out. I will try to get it done this weekend. Thanks!

May 07, 2009 03:03 AM
Callie Thompson
Property Xchange Solutions - Frederick, MD
Property Xchange Solutions

Jeff: Principle reductions were easier about 6 months ago. However is becoming more of a strain to negotiate this. But it does happen. Usually the lenders will go to any lengths to lower the payment to avoid cutting the principle down. Short refi's almost don't even exist.

May 07, 2009 03:05 AM
Callie Thompson
Property Xchange Solutions - Frederick, MD
Property Xchange Solutions

Joe: Yes I can help people in Utah. I could probably assist you as well. To qualify for a loan mod you have to have a hardship and documented income. As I said earlier, it is hard to obtain a principle reduction, but there are other methods to reduce the payment. The purpose of a loan mod is to reconstruct the loan to make it affordable for you.

May 07, 2009 03:09 AM
Callie Thompson
Property Xchange Solutions - Frederick, MD
Property Xchange Solutions

Michael: Well said. Thank you for that informative comment. I couldn't have said it better myself!

May 07, 2009 03:12 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

I would not advise a client to skip payments.  At the same time I think issues vary lender to lender.  I honeslty beleive that those that skip payments may get better modes.  Most modes negotiated directly by the borrowere are not sufficient.  If you are able to make the payments why would the bank give you a significant mode?

I don't trust banks, but I also struggle with the new gaggle of loan mod experts.

May 07, 2009 03:20 AM
Michael Loeb
TGC Financial - Port St Lucie, FL

Gene,

True.. issues vary from lender to lender.  The actual asset of the mortgage sits in different hands, though GNMAs, Fannie Mae Bonds, REITs, etc.  The holders of those securities (securitized mortgages whether it be principal only sold at a discount, interest only sold as a stream of payments or both P&I) will need some tax relief to be able to absorb their loss.  What's another form or two in our bloated tax system anyway.  Greater minds than mine can figure out what gets tax credits and how much.

And remember, these securitized mortgages aren't evil.  They were designed to allow cash to flow from cash rich regions of the country to cash poor regions of the country so people could buy homes all over the country.  

 

May 07, 2009 03:33 AM
Anonymous
Craig

I have been told by some mod experts & short sale experts that missing payments is not required.  But paying on time in the 1st 15 days of the month is not going to get the banks attention either.  What these 2 sources have observed is that if the payment is made late in the month so it is late with the bank, but not 30 days late, it places the person in a higher risk catagory.  You don't want to be 30 days late because that is when it hits your credit.  It appears that the hardship claim is supported by late payments less than 30 days to a point where it is helpfull in the mod or short sale negotiations.

May 07, 2009 04:35 AM
#23
Carol Simonson
ReMax - Westlake Village, CA

Oh...sure! 

Banks giving out bad advice? 

They would never tell folks to stop making their payments...right?

Unless...maybe they don't actually care...could that be? 

Maybe the banks are not even serving themselves well...consider the outrage of most bank industry stockholders (That's who they should be serving) who are not being served well by the banks irresponsible behavior when it comes to foreclosures and short sales. 

I think it stands to reason that if a bank behaves so irresponsibly with it's money and the stock holders investment in them...why on earth should they serve the public or their customers well?

What's the downside actually?  They get billions of dollars in bailout money...ouch, that must hurt! 

If you don't straighten out, I'm going to have to really get mad at you and give you billions of dollars...so you just watch it buster!

By golly...that'll teach em!

If I was a bank stockholder...heads would fly at the next annual stockholder meeting!

Still...they can always go to Uncle Sam for BILLION$ more!

Seems difficult to see why they'll ever straighten up and fly right...what's the actual motivation to do better here? 

It's a bit like a child who behaves poorly and a parent punishing the child for their poor behavior...with flipping CANDY!

Carol...I like candy too...but just send me the Billions for now!

www.ActiveSunshine.com

 

May 10, 2009 04:25 AM
Anja Kerstens, 669.270.8034
Compass - Morgan Hill, CA
GRI, NHCB, CDPE, CHS. Silicon Valley Homes

Thank you for this post.  It still doesn't answer the question as how to advise our clients.  I would be curious to know how many people just walk away not because they can't make the payments but because of the loss of property value compared to those who truly can't make the payments.  Too bad there is such fraud out there. Professionals and homeowners alike who abuse the system.

Here in California lenders usually have recourse if the original loan was refinanced.

 

May 12, 2009 10:07 AM
Kelsey Barklow
Hurd Realty - Johnson City, TN
423/948-9154

Nice post, Callie. I hope those with mortgage payment issues take the extra steps to find a company like yours to help themelves.

May 14, 2009 03:30 PM