There is a strict formula used for HAMP loan modification approval that homeowner’s must pass if they hope to get a lower mortgage payment. Every bank who participates in the federal plan uses this same formula, so unless you know just how to pass it, your chances of acceptance are slim.
The HAMP formula was designed to find out which homeowners are truly in a financial hardship situation, and to determine if their specific budget and current mortgage can be modified to an affordable new payment. This HAMP formula also tells the lender if modifying the homeowners loan will be cheaper for them than foreclosing on the property. Keep in mind that your bank will take the option that saves THEM the most money-it is always about the lender’s bottom line in the loan mod process.
Here are the basics of the HAMP loan modification formula that all banks use:
- NPV: this stands for Net Present Value and all banks must perform this analysis that tells them if modifying or foreclosing is cheaper for them. Your homes current market value plays an important part here-the more underwater you are, the better your chances are.
- LTV: what you owe on your mortgage as opposed to what the current market value is. Again, if you have a lot of equity, you probably won’t pass this guideline.
- Debt to Income Ratio: your current mortgage expenses (payment, monthly taxes, monthly insurance and any HOA dues) must be Greater than 31% of your reported Gross Monthly Household Income. If they are lower than that, you will not pass HAMP.
- Asset Ratio: you are only allowed to have 3 times your monthly housing expense in the bank to pass this HAMP guideline. Retirement
accounts are exempt from this ratio formula.
- Waterfall Method: this is how the bank will determine if your loan can be modified using the standard terms (lower interest rate, longer term, reduce principal). Your monthly income has a lot to do with whether you pass this important guideline-make sure you report the right amount or you will fail this part.
- Cash Flow: after you pay all of your bills each month (including the mortgage and household expenses) do you have money left over? Are you barely making it? After the loan mod will you be able to make ends meet? You must adjust your monthly budget correctly so that your bank understands that a loan workout will actually be the answer for you.
The HAMP loan modification formula is strict, but it is just math-once you understand how to fine tune your own budget you will be able to greatly increase your chances of passing all of these important guidelines and also greatly increase your chances of approval.








