If you are having difficulty making your monthly mortgage payments, don't sit and do nothing until you default on the loan and end up losing your house. Take action and visit a financial counselor to talk about your situation while you can still do something about it. Some counselors are free to use and some are not. HUD-approved non-profit groups can give free financial counseling services. But with the large demand of recent years for financial counselors, lots of new loan modification assistance companies have sprung up.
Whether you choose a free service or a for-profit service is up to you; they both have their benefits and drawbacks. Some have attorneys at their disposal and some do not, so if possible you want to choose one with an attorney to work with you to get your loan modified.
It's important to remember that when you're dealing with a for-profit company, however, use extra caution. There are a lot of people looking for financial solutions right now and unfortunately, a lot of greedy people are willing to scam them out of their money. Use only reputable companies with good credentials and a history of good customer service. They should also be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
The first step is meeting with your counselor. Bring all applicable financial documents and be prepared for a consultation. The counselor will review your financial situation and help you determine what's best for you.
If it's determined that a loan modification is your best option, then they'll get to work helping you write a loan modification hardship letter. This is a letter to your lender that explains why you need your loan modified. Good reasons include layoff, natural disaster, death of a family member, divorce, or medical expenses. Be brief and to the point. Your counselor will help you write the letter and submit it to your lender with appropriate financial documents. It's important to have a loan mod company working for you and being your advocate during the confusing and technical loan modification process.
Published by Lindsy Emery
I am currently a stay at home mom who loves to write in her past-time - when the kids are asleep of course! I am Texas born and raised, and I love to exercise, play golf, tennis, and of course writing! View profile
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