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Lender Not Cooperating?!?!?!

By
Real Estate Agent with Brighton, Mi - Keller Williams

Many people are having difficulty with their mortgages for one reason or another. We all have heard about Michigan's forecloures rates as well as the rest of the US. Many of us are banging our heads against the wall trying to talk to someone at their mortgage company. It can be mind numbing! I can empathize with what you're going through as I help a lot of people with short sales. So, I talk to these banks on a daily basis. Some mortgage companies are better than others. Here's a few tips to hopefully help you when dealing with your lender:

  • Document all phone calls, who you talked to, date and time and the nature of the conversation and the result.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for their Manager if you feel you are not getting the answers you need.
  • ALWAYS be polite ... kill them will kindness!
  • Ask questions to understand their process.
  • Create a dialogue sooner than later. DO NOT wait until you are facing the sheriff sale or worse when your redemption period has expired.

Additional things you must be doing:

  • Talk to a mortgage broker, they can help assist you in possibly working out a loan modification to help make your payments more managable.
  • Don't bury your head in the sand, this problem will NOT go away.
  • Always communicate with the lender and start the dialogue early. (I said this one already ... YES, it's that imoprtant!!!!!)
  • If you have to sell your home, but owe more than it's worth, consult with a few different Realtors who have had experiene in dealing with short sales. Get it on the market NOW.

If you are still not getting anywhere with your lender, you can always call the Attorney General. I have been successful several times in getting the names of contacts who can HELP me. Who are decision makers who can make things happen. If it's Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac there is always the Office of Federal Housing Oversight (www.ofheo.gov). I just recently was sucuessful in negotiating a buy back for a previous owner who lost her home and the redemption period had expired.

Don't give up and don't hesitate to seek professional assistance from a mortgage professional or real estate professional.

Feel free to visit my website at www.ClickThisHome.com and email if you need any assistance or more information.

Royal Goodman
Royalty Home Solutions - Madera, CA
"We Treat You Like a King"
Lisa. That is some good points. I always take notes on a phone call. If they say something important, repeat it back to them. Thanks for the post, Royal..
Apr 07, 2008 02:22 AM
Kathryn Tharp
Realtor - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Rancho Cucamonga, Real Estate Specialist
Lisa, I think individuals who are stressed out and behind on their mortgage get paralyzed and really need someone to walk them through each step.  Glad you mentioned their mortgage broker.  We too are working with these individuals, and have negotiated with various lenders for re-starts, short-sales, loan modifications, etc.  Always take extensive notes.  Thanks for the great post.
Apr 07, 2008 02:38 AM
Lisa Bender
Brighton, Mi - Keller Williams - Howell, MI
Livingston County Realtor, (Brighton, Howell, Hartland)
Some people are just so darned embarassed by their situation or try desparately to ignore it. We all really have to really try hard to educate home owners. Get the word out ... there is always a solution.
Apr 08, 2008 08:59 AM
Sherman Smith
Sherman Smith & Associates - Tustin, CA

Lisa

Here is some help on Short Sales.

Short Sale Suicide on Activerain.

Sherman Smith

Sherman Smith & Associates

(714) 544-5445

Sherman@shermansmith.com

 

Apr 08, 2008 03:41 PM
Matthew Heavener
ERA Heavener Realty Co. - Jacksonville, FL
Nice post. Good Information. Thanks for sharing.
Apr 23, 2008 11:41 PM