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Project Lifeline

By
Industry Observer with Retired

IStock_000000242240 Life Line ProjectThe Federal Government announced  a new program for those that are facing foreclosure. The new program is called Project Lifeline. The program was put together by six of the nation's largest financial institutions, which service almost 50 percent of the nation's mortgages. This program is for all types of mortgages not just the Subprime loans.

"Project Lifeline is a valuable response, literally a lifeline, for people on the brink of the final steps in foreclosure," Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson, said at a joint news conference with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.
Paulson said that the new effort was just one of a number of approaches the administration was pursuing with the mortgage industry to deal with the country's worst housing slump in more than two decades.

"As our economy works through this difficult period, we will look for additional opportunities to try to avoid preventable foreclosures," Paulson said. "However, none of these efforts are a silver bullet that will undo the excesses of the past years, nor are they designed to bail out real estate speculators or those who committed fraud during the mortgage process."

Lenders will begin sending letters to homeowners who might qualify for the program within the next few weeks.
If you have already entered bankruptcy or if you already have a foreclosure date within 30 days or if the home loan was taken out to cover an investment property or a vacation home, you won't qualify for this program.
Critics of the program have called for a 90 day moratorium and although they feel this is welcome news, they insist that more needs to be done.

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Comments (12)

Jeff Belonger
Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ
The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

William.... in my opinion, a lot more needs to be done. I wrote about this the other day and to me, this is just fluff, from politicians and the typical government. Project Lifeline - Not FHA or Convetional.... just another flop?
thanks.....

jeff belonger

Feb 14, 2008 10:28 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired
Hi Jeff, I couldn't agree more. How will putting off for 30 days really help in the delay of foreclosure. I am sure if it could have been prevented, it would have. Unless and until there is something substantive proposed and implemented, the foreclosure bells will keep ringing.
Feb 14, 2008 10:44 AM
Wayne B. Pruner
Oregon First - Tigard, OR
Tigard Oregon Homes for Sale, Realtor, GRI
I agree it is not enough and too late. However, every little bit helps. Think of how relieved the people are that it does help.
Feb 14, 2008 10:59 AM
Sharon Simms
Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS
Somehow it seems wrong that the people who have sacrificed and gone without in order to make their mortgage payments are excluded from many programs, while those who have spent elsewhere and not made their mortgage payments are "rewarded". People who are current on their payment and call for help are ignored. Where's the justice in this?
Feb 14, 2008 11:21 AM
Sharon Simms
Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS
Somehow it seems wrong that the people who have sacrificed and gone without in order to make their mortgage payments are excluded from many programs, while those who have spent elsewhere and not made their mortgage payments are "rewarded". People who are current on their payment and call for help are ignored. Where's the justice in this?
Feb 14, 2008 11:21 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired
Hi Wayne, thanks for coming by and sharing your insight. You are very appreciated. To further the discussion though, wouldn't you say that Project Lifeline it is a bit like giving aspirin to cancer patient. It could help prevent them from dying prematurly from a heart attack when they see the oncologist bill. Every little bit helps. Right?
Feb 14, 2008 11:22 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired
Hi Sharon, I love the double post for impact part, lol. Our world seems so upside down right now. I am sure so many are grasping for anything and my heart goes out to them for sure. But arent we just teaching that immediate gratification is way better than a good life plan and that things worthwhile don't come without effort and also carry a degree of responsibility.
Feb 14, 2008 11:26 AM
Marlene Bridges
Village Real Estate Services, Inc. - Laguna Hills, CA
Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos|Laguna Real Estate
Hi William - Thanks for posting this information.  There will be many who criticize that it's not enough, not done right, too little too late, shouldn't be done at all, etc.  Personally, I'm proud to be part of a country that cares about it's own and when there is trouble works to find solutions.
Feb 14, 2008 11:51 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired
Hi Marlene, Happy Valentines Day ! I understand what you are saying and I also agree but for all the reasons discussed , it is too little, too late and needs a more comprehensive response. A 30 day delay in foreclosure isn't going to necessarily prevent one and I am believing that we need to stop them, even it if it means a moratorium until the mess can be organized and straightened out. Otherwise, the short sales and REO's continue to destroy the best vestiges of any free housing market and it is needlessly hurting whole neighborhoods that did nothing wrong. For over  a year the discussions have been taking place and the solution to the problem does not appear any more near to us than when it all unfolded. And way to many have been so cruelly affected. With 150 Billion stimulus package instead of encouraging buying more goods from elsewhere, wouldn't some sort of fast unsecured no interest loans ( that could be forgiven if the homeowner gets current and makes it work) to the many defaults and get the real estate markets moving again. Most real property appreciates in value over time and the rest our economy would do much better if it were not for the housing morass. It would have at least been worth looking into. Too late now unless we can find another 150 Billion laying around somewhere.
Feb 14, 2008 12:26 PM
Joan Mirantz
Homequest Real Estate - Concord, NH
Realtor, GRI, CBR, SRES - Concord New Hampshire
Why is it the government answer to every problem these days is to throw more money at it...whatever happened to going after the cause? And addressing that...and I'm not talking about the blame game I'm talking about the money and power is everything attitude that has taken the place of moral and responsible business practice?
Feb 14, 2008 12:55 PM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired
Hi Joan, Happy Valentines Day! I so get where you are coming from and sure wish I had the answer. I really thought by now after over a year of discussions that a workable solution or a variety of ideas yeilding to a solution would be apparent and it doesn't seem to be. I fear that the ultimate solution may end up being more complex than the original problem.
Feb 14, 2008 05:20 PM
T.J. "Foreclosure Pro" McKinney
illinoisforeclosurepro - Chicago, IL

Project Lifeline is more appropriately named Project Flatline, as it is a plan which is dead on arrival.  I go more in depth on my opinion on my blog at this post:

Illinois Foreclosure Pro's Opinion on Project Lifeline and Personal Responsibility

BTW it is a little ironic that the image of the life-preserver resembles a toilet seat.

Feb 15, 2008 03:12 PM