It is strange to me when home owners, who can see the handwriting on the wall and are looking for relief are rejected by lenders because they are not in default. I have a client that in approx. 3 months will be out of funds necessary to continue their mortgage payments. They have asked for a loan modification that will fit their future budget or at least a forbearance plan. Because they are not in default the lender is not interested. Their finances have changed, they have been proactive based are their circumstance, the lender is not interested.
Maybe I am old fashioned but an ounce of prevention is worth more, than a pound of cure i.e foreclosure or short sale. Does anyone have an answer? Why are lenders reluctant to prevent a short sale or foreclosure? Why not work with the owner? I realize lenders are overwhelmed, but shouldn't they be looking for solutions instead of chaos? Borrowers are looking at increased cost, mortgage, food, gas. Our real estate market would be more stable if the lender worked with those looking for solutions, not just those that are walking away. In the long run they would contain their loss & do something positive for the overall market.
I always recommend my seller's contact a certified counsellor, some of the recommendations are absolutely ridiculous. One of the suggestions from NeighborWorks 888-995-HOPE was that they should turn in their cars for less expensive cars. That doesn't work unless you owe current value or nothing on your vehicles. They tried to do it, they would have had to come up with a substantial down payment to "buy" a less expensive car. They had experienced a loss in income, had gone through their 401K funds and had no money to buy down their payments.
If lenders focused on helping the more qualified home buyer save their home, or investment, they would still recoup their loss in the long run. Why is it a requirement that the home owner be close to or in foreclosure before they can get the help they need. If lenders want a stop loss, work with people before there is a loss. Maybe I am simple minded. Comments?
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