Why Loan Modification is a Good Choice over Refinancing your Mortgage

Modifying a mortgage loan has become much easier since the implementation of the Obama administration's loan modification plan. This plan provides incentives to lenders to change the terms of an existing loan to make payments on Columbus houses more affordable to homeowners. In the past, getting a mortgage modification was far more difficult, since lenders had to bear certain costs of the process.

Do You Qualify?

In order to qualify for Obama's loan modification program, the home must be your primary residence, and you must have purchased your home before January 1, 2009. The Obama plan does not apply to jumbo loans, which in most cases means your loan amount can't exceed $729,750; however, the allowable limit may be higher in high-cost housing areas.

Also, the loan is only available on the first mortgage. It does not apply to any subsequent mortgages you may have. Your mortgage has to be more than 31% of your monthly income if you are to qualify for the loan modification program. And lastly, you need to be able to show that you are facing financial difficulty which means you are having problems paying your mortgage. Whether it is because of the loss of a job, less working hour, illness, separation and/or divorce, or whatever else.

The process that follows qualification

The first thing you need to do is to get in contact with the lender. Once you have done so, you then need to request the modification plan. Some lenders who are not part of the Obama plan will probably refuse. Those who are, and there are many, will agree to the plan.

Next, you'll need to gather relevant documents. This includes evidence of your pre-tax monthly household income, your most recently filed tax return, information on savings and assets if applicable, and mortgage and loan statements for your first and second mortgages or home equity line of credit. You'll also need to create a detailed budget that lists your monthly expenses, including credit card payments and installments loans, like student and car loans.

Once you've gathered this information, you will go through the final process with your lender of negotiating the terms and completing the necessary paperwork.

Why modification instead refinancing is the better choice

There are two main reasons why you should choose to modify your loan rather than opting for refinance. The first reason is cost and the second is your ability to qualify. Because of the present state of the credit climate you will definitely not qualify for refinance unless you have an excellent credit record. Also, when it comes to refinance you are responsible for closing costs as well as other fees. The Obama loan modification program charges no fees at all. Also, if you are behind in your payments any late fees and interest can be waived.

Modification is the best option if you are falling behind on your payments, or if you could not afford to stay in your home with a new loan at conventional rates. On the other hand, refinancing is a better option if you have equity in your home and are looking for a better interest rate, even if you don't qualify for Obama's modification plan. Refinancing is also the only way to cash out if you want to tap into your home's equity.

You might opt for a professional, such as a lawyer or service provider, to do the negotiation regarding the modification you seek.
Author: KurtNovak


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