Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Loan Modification?

A modification to an existing loan made by a lender in response to a borrower's long-term inability to repay the loan. Loan modifications typically involve a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, an extension of the length of the term of the loan, a different type of loan or any combination of the three. A lender might be open to modifying a loan because the cost of doing so is less than the cost of default.

A loan modification agreement is different from a forbearance agreement. A forbearance agreement provides short-term relief for borrowers who have temporary financial problems, while a loan modification agreement is a long-term solution for borrowers who will never be able to repay an existing loan

What happens during a Loan Modification?

During a loan modification the terms of your mortgage are renegotiated to bring the interest rate down to a percentage that fits into your budget and the monthly payment no longer presents a severe strain on your ability to meet your other financial obligations.

Why don’t I simply ask my lender for a Loan Modification myself?

It would be great if borrowers and lenders had the ability to negotiate loan modifications, but the problem is two-fold: many lenders simply lack well trained loan officers who know how to negotiate and set up a loan modification in the first place; secondly, some lenders are more interested in recouping any potential losses up front via a foreclosure than they are in keeping a customer for a long period of time with the help of a renegotiated mortgage. In both cases it is the involvement of legal specialists that provide borrowers with the results they desire.

Is Loan Modification similar to Debt Consolidation or Refinancing?

The answer is a resounding no. Debt consolidation seeks to lump a group of unsecured debts into either a loan or a program that offers lower payments. It does not apply to mortgages. Refinancing a home requires the borrower to apply for a new mortgage for the home and as such will require a down payment, an appraisal, and a lot of fees for the lender. This is often not an affordable solution for a borrower who is already stretched to the max with the current mortgage payment and the existence of an adjustable rate mortgage that eats up a lot of the available funds on a monthly basis may actually be held against the applicant and thus causes the refinance application to be denied. Loan modification seeks to restructure an existing loan.

What is needed from me to get the process started?

Documents relating to your financial situation, income, and mortgage details help legal professionals to draft the papers your lender requires for a need based loan modification approval. Upon receipt, the terms of the mortgage are renegotiated to reflect a lower monthly payment. Best of all, the paperwork is handled in its entirety by the professionals in charge of negotiating the deal and you are not required to attend a closing or any such meeting.

How long is the Loan Modification process?

You will see relief in as little as 4 weeks or a couple of months if FHA guaranteed loans are involved. In the meantime, lenders are amenable to halting foreclosure proceedings and even the sale of a home! The added benefit of this process rests in the fact that you may be able to skip one mortgage payment and get back on your feet with your budget. Since the majority of reputable lenders prefer to have you remain a customer for life than selling off your home at a loss and thus not realizing the profit of the interest payments, the process is usually not