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What is Considered a Hardship?

Reblogger Dinah Lee Griffey
Managing Real Estate Broker with Windermere Peninsula Properties

I wanted to share a great post with all of you that I read today. If you are from the Kitsap, Mason, or Pierce Counties of Washington there is also some information concerning a free work shop on Short sales that will be held in about two weeks. I will have a post on the workshop later today.

Original content by Richard R. Bell

I have been an absentee AR contributor for the past month. My excuses are pretty good though, for example, our local market is picking up somewhat (more pending files to review, working with agents on transactions and solving problems), several new experienced agents have joined our Company (more managing activities) and I have the task of putting together a Homeowners Workshop which I will be hosting in a few weeks (a lot of detail work).

The FREE Workshop's goal is to provide Straight Answers for Homeowners. There will a panel of three professionals: an attorney, an accountant and mortgage representative. I will be the moderator. Subjects will include: What is a Short Sale?, What is Pre-foreclosure, What is loan modification? and so on.

Which brings me to the topic of discussion for this post.

Most of us are aware that Lenders are asking for hardship letters when considering a Loan Modification or Short Sale. Below is a list of "Hardships" I believe the banks will consider when making a decision on a clients loan.

Hardship letters should be kept  short, simple and to the point. They are not asking for the letter as a reason to feel sorry for you. They simply want to know what lead to your current situation.

The banks are currently being inundated with letters and phone calls. I think the best way to get their attention is to be thorough when filling out the paperwork and include a "Straightforward" Hardship Letter; stick to the facts and cooperate anywhere you can. A call once every day or two is helpful. Never assume that they have everything...Double Check!

Here is an sample list of hardships that lenders may consider during the loan workout process:

  • Adjustable Rate Mortgage Reset- Payment Coca(uncommon, but we will see more lenders accept this in the future) 
  • Illness
  • Loss of Job
  • Reduced Income
  • Failed Business
  • Job Relocation
  • Death of Spouse or C0-Borrower
  • Death
  • Incarceration
  • Divorce
  • Marital Separation
  • Military Duty
  • Reduced Income
  • Medical Bills
  • Damage to Property (natural disaster or unnatural)

So my AR friends, do you have anything to add, comment or suggest.

 

Posted by

When you are Buying or Selling your home EXPECT MORE!Call or text Dinah Griffey today at 360-551-8888 or visit my website www.FindYourNorthwest.com

William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Dinah...the banks may consider these hardships.  I hope they follow through better than I have seen in the past.

Apr 10, 2009 08:51 AM
Highland Beach Condos David Serle
RE/MAX Services - Highland Beach, FL
Boca Raton Agent David Serle

Great post.  I noticed you did not list being in the real estate business a hardship?  lol

Apr 10, 2009 08:58 AM
Dinah Lee Griffey
Windermere Peninsula Properties - Allyn, WA
Managing Broker Windermere Peninsula Properties

William- I hope so too!-Dinah Lee

Apr 10, 2009 03:26 PM
Dinah Lee Griffey
Windermere Peninsula Properties - Allyn, WA
Managing Broker Windermere Peninsula Properties

David- That is a good one-Dinah Lee

Apr 10, 2009 03:27 PM