Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-How do I know who my lender is and how to contact them?
Look at your monthly mortgage coupons or billing statements for the name
of your lender and contact information.
-I do not remember what type of mortgage loan I have, how can I find
this information?
Look on the original mortgage documents or call your mortgage lender.
-Do I need to keep living in my house to qualify for assistance?
Typically, yes, but call your lender to discuss your specific circumstances
and get advice on options that may be available.
-What type of information should I have ready to discuss with a lender?
Typical information requested by lenders in a workout package include:
- Brief explanation of circumstances
- Recent income documents
- List of household expenses
-My employer has already announced layoffs within the coming months,
what can I do now?
You have taken the first step toward educating yourself about available
options. Determine if the layoffs will cause a financial hardship that
will make it hard for your family to make your mortgage payments. If so,
consider other resources that you have available to pay your mortgage.
Review your spending habits and see where you can reduce spending. If
you have a lot of consumer debt, consider contacting a nonprofit, consumer
credit counseling agency. Take advantage of any employer offered resources.
If you still believe that you will have trouble making your mortgage payments,
contact your lender right away.
-Will there be any out-of-pocket expenses I will be responsible for
if I am approved for a workout option?
Some workout options do include expenses that the borrower is expected
to pay, for example, recording fees for a loan modification. Because,
every situation is different you should contact your lender for more information.
However, if a lender has no contact with a borrower and has to start foreclosure,
the legal fees that the borrower will be expected to pay can be very expensive.
To avoid unnecessary legal fees, call your lender as soon as you realize
you are in trouble.
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Help for Homeowners Facing
the Loss of Their Home
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