It’s almost like a foreign language, the loan modification forms required by banks in order to apply for a lower mortgage payment can strike fear into the heart of desperate homeowners. Most borrowers have never had to complete any kind of forms like these, and to added to the fear factor is that your home is on the line. This makes the consequences even more critical.
When you contact your bank and ask for consideration for a loan modification, they will send you an application which must be completed and returned for review. This is a 3 page form and it includes your financial statement. Basically, this is a detailed accounting your household monthly gross income and monthly expenses. This is probably the single most important loan modification form as it will really determine whether you qualify for assistance or not.
It is important that you take your time when you prepare this loan modification financial statement, making certain that your figures are not only accurate but that they are acceptable. How do you know what is acceptable to your bank? Well, you can get the inside information on just what will qualify and then use that information to fine tune your own budget.
When the Fed launched their loan modification plan called HAMP, they instituted a standard formula for determining which borrowers would be eligible. This is basically a mathematical equation that is used to qualify borrowers based on their financial information provided on their application. So, it really makes sense to learn and use this same formula when submitting your financial statement.
How does this formula work and how can you apply it to your own financial statement? Well, it is based on your gross income, your current mortgage balance and monthly payment, as well as your cash reserves and other debts. To make it simpler for borrowers to figure all this out, an easy to use software program has been developed that actually mimics the formula. All you need to do is input your income and expenses, and the calculations are done automatically.
You can then use this information to fine tune your own budget, and then prepare your financial statement so that you know your figures fit right into the HAMP guidelines. Remember, that there is no guarantee that even the most qualified homeowner will be offered a loan modification, the lender is the only one you can make that decision. But one thing is certain-if you don’t fit into the approval formula you don’t stand much of a chance at all.
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.
















