Amid growing concerns about proper procedures not being followed on foreclosed properties, foreclosures have been halted in 23 states by Bank of America, Chase and GMAC. The courts are now reviewing the manner in which these big lenders have repossessed the homes of borrowers, and are finding that there are some serious reasons for concern.
Borrowers who were trying to get a loan modification due to financial hardship were often moved ahead to foreclosure without being notified. How can the bank have one department working on the loan mod and another department not be aware of this and go ahead and sign the foreclosure paperwork? Well, it seems that bank employees were simply signing the documents without any review, stating that they had too many files to take the time to actually read them!
Borrowers who are trying to find a way to save their home may now have a second chance to contact their bank and ask for consideration for the federal loan workout program, HAMP-Home Affordable Modification Plan. Now that the lenders have been caught speeding, they just may be more open to trying to workout a solution to avoid foreclosure. It is a window of opportunity that should not be missed by borrowers in the midst of potentially losing their home.
The states that are affected are among some of the hardest hit during this housing meltdown. Here is a list of the states that have been affected by this foreclosure suspension:
Connecticut
•Florida
•Hawaii
•Illinois
•Indiana
•Iowa
•Kansas
•Kentucky
•Louisiana
•Maine
•Nebraska
•New Jersey
•New Mexico
•New York
•North Carolina
•North Dakota
•Ohio
•Oklahoma
•Pennsylvania
•South Carolina
•South Dakota
•Vermont
•Wisconsin
The Attorney General in California has also ordered Chase to halt foreclosure proceedings until a complete review of their procedures has been done to ensure that they are operating in compliance with state law. More states may follow as the angry mob of homeowners is finally being heard and the abusive practices of the big lenders are coming to light.
The foreclosure suspensions provide a unique opportunity for those borrowers who would like to get a loan modification. Even those who were facing imminent foreclosure now find they have a reprieve and some additional time to work out a solution to avoid losing their home. It makes sense to contact the bank now, and ask to apply again for HAMP or any other loan workout plan that is available.
The best way to make certain that your loan modification application is approved is to complete the forms correctly-especially the financial statement. The approval guidelines are standard and are based on a formula set out by the federal government. If this formula is used when preparing the monthly budget, then the homeowner will know if they fit into the program or not. To make this simpler, a software program is available which was designed specifically to help borrowers apply and qualify for HAMP. The goal is to fine tune your figures until all the approval guidelines are met-the software program shows you all the pertinent calculations immediately so that you can make any necessary adjustments on your application.
It isn’t very often that the homeowner gets an advantage over the big banks, but this foreclosure suspension action has opened a window of opportunity that should not be missed.
Susan Gregory is the author of two resource books for homeowners and real estate professionals, the best selling The Complete Loan Modification Guide Kit and The Stimulus Book-HAMP & HAFA Edition. She also teaches workshop training classes for the federal programs to help real estate professionals assist homeowners with home retention and exit strategies. The Complete Loan Modification Guide kit provides a valuable resource for borrowers that includes a step by step handbook, required forms, and a software program that mimics the federal approval triggers for loan modification. An advocate for homeowners, Susan also offers free 30 day email support for all of her clients who purchase her publications. Thousands of homeowners have been helped using these materials. Visit http://www.myloanmodficationcenter.com for more information.







