Here is why many will still need help, even after the "Obama Plan":
People will not qualify who: Need too much help in terms of payment reductions (as the government caps the amount based on a formula of mortgage payments to income); need a temporary forbearance in payments, have income not provable by tax returns and pay stubs; have two mortgages on the property, are not primary residences and a few other requirements. That may disqualify up to 50% of all homes facing foreclosure.
Even if they qualify, the plan is voluntary for most holders, other than Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Unless a lender accepts new (not previously given) TARP funds, it is not forced to participate.
A huge percentage of loans that are in trouble are held by entities that do not have to participate or do not want to spend too much on any one modification. Plus, under this plan, the holder will not consider the individual homeowner’s total budget. Many people, with larger families and other debt, need their mortgage payments down to under 31%, which is where the Obama plan stops. With our experience, we've found that around 50% of homeowners need to go beneath 31%.
The biggest problem is that desperate homeowners will think that they just apply and get the right modification. It will take a minimum of 60 and a likely 90 to 120 days for the servicers to process these applications due to sheer volume and many new and untrained staff. At end, the almost 80% of homeowners who do not qualify or still cannot afford the modified payment, will have nowhere left to turn. It will be too late for any attorney, counselor or modification company to help. This is akin to playing “Russian Roulette” with 6 bullets in an 8 chambered gun!
Finally, the modified mortgage is a 5 year fixed rate loan that then adjusts
to whatever the then present conventional interest rate is.
The best thing to do is to have professionals handle modifications ( using the Obama plan and much more) who work with senior level teams of negotiators and do not have to deal with the legions of new and untrained employees of servicers. The Obama plan can be used in a negotiation, but a better result may be obtained without it. Using unlawful practices of lenders as a lever to force negotiation, is still the best way to obtain modifications that each family can afford. Especially when the payment amount is guaranteed, as does the Debt Advocacy Center, this is a much safer way to obtain a modification than playing Russian Roulette with your home.
The easiest and fastest way to receive help on examining this option is to complete the evaluation form on this page.
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