Question: How can I compel my mortgage lender to modify my existing loan with terms that will relieve my financial hardship? I have submitted five requests and each time they have responded by proposing to place delinquent payments on the back of the loan, refused to reduce the principle balance and increased the monthly payment. The principal on my loan is currently $100k more than the market value of my house. I am requesting of them that they reduce my principle balance to within 10% of current market value, and reduce the interest rate to reflect a monthly payment at or near $1,5k. A number of other homeowners have informed me they were able to achieve similar terms. My lender has been calculating our debt to income ratio using our gross income which is approximately 1/2 our net income in determining our ability to pay! How can we qualify for the HAMP program, or compel our lender to grant us an in-house modification that will relieve our financial hardship? What are the options that may fit our situation?
Response: In order to qualify for HAMP, the bank must look at your gross monthly household income. If you applied 5 times and were offered loan modification terms that have increased your monthly payment, then 31% of your gross monthly income must show affordability of such modified amount . It is also possible that the packages were filled out incorrectly, as is often the case. In order to continuously be reviewed for HAMP, you need to show a change in income. For example, when you last applied, you did not have rental income but now you do, or vice versa. Also, capitalization of all the arrears is the first step to mortgage modification. If you owe more than $100,000.00 in arrears, they must get added to the unpaid principal balance, including foreclosure fees and costs, and that becomes your new principal balance. When you do not have sufficient income, then your lender may elect to forgive some of your principal, or at the very least, it may defer up to 30% by adding a balloon payment to your agreement that would mature in 30-40 years. If your income is enough to show affordability without having to decrease your payments to 2%, extending the term to 40 years, or deferring some of the principal, then you are unlikely to end up with better terms under HAMP. Traditional modification may be another option if your net income outweighs your expenses (expenses include the mortgage payment that you are no longer making). You should consider speaking to a professional in order to determine what option will work best for you.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Stopping foreclosure while unemployed
Question: I am unemployed and facing foreclosure on my home that I have owned for over a decade. The court has accepted my request for time extension since I am scheduled for mediation in a couple of weeks. I also have a formal offer from an investor as the home has been up for sale since December. This offer has been submitted to my bank and is in the beginning stages of negotiation. My bank's short sale department tells me I can look at both options and make my decision based on what mediator presents to me and the bank. Do I have a chance of saving my home through mediation if I have no income other than my unemployment benefits? Should I take any job - no matter how low the pay is to be able to negotiate better at mediation? Should I file bankruptcy instead (I have approx $20K in debt, most of which is medical bills).
Response: The purpose of mediation is to determine what type of loss mitigation option you are suitable for you in order to avoid foreclosure. If you have no income, then loan modification would not be an option. Oftentimes, borrowers do not understand what constitutes income. It is not necessarily a job. It could also be pension, disability, social security, rental income, even contribution from a family member who lives with you, etc. Basically 31% of your gross monthly income should be able to pay off your entire mortgage debt in the next 40 years at 2% interest. The 31% must cover principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. It is very likely that if you get a job, you would be able to afford a modified mortgage payment. If you file for bankruptcy, it may help you get rid of your other debts, but as far as your mortgage loan is concerned, the bank will file a Motion for Relief from Stay, which if granted, will allow the bank to proceed with foreclosure. The only true way you can modify your loan is by showing affordability.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: The purpose of mediation is to determine what type of loss mitigation option you are suitable for you in order to avoid foreclosure. If you have no income, then loan modification would not be an option. Oftentimes, borrowers do not understand what constitutes income. It is not necessarily a job. It could also be pension, disability, social security, rental income, even contribution from a family member who lives with you, etc. Basically 31% of your gross monthly income should be able to pay off your entire mortgage debt in the next 40 years at 2% interest. The 31% must cover principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. It is very likely that if you get a job, you would be able to afford a modified mortgage payment. If you file for bankruptcy, it may help you get rid of your other debts, but as far as your mortgage loan is concerned, the bank will file a Motion for Relief from Stay, which if granted, will allow the bank to proceed with foreclosure. The only true way you can modify your loan is by showing affordability.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Friday, January 13, 2012
Pursuing short sale on a property owned by a spouse
Question: My husband purchased a home under his name some time before we got married and everything on this property is registered under his name. The mortgage principal on this property is currently $20k less than the original purchase price, while the short sale asking price is $60k less. We didn't want to pay $40k just to sell the home, and thus a real estate agent suggested that we do a short sale, which we have been pursuing since September and thus haven't been making mortgage payments in hopes the house would be sold by now. We do have money saved up, but it is all under my name in my bank accounts. Are we doing the right thing by not making payments or should we start paying our mortgage? The bank is constantly sending us letters saying they will begin the foreclosure process on our home and our real estate agent tells us this is normal. Will this situation affect my credit score or just his? Will this matter the next time I purchase a home since we are married now? Can the bank come after us to collect?
Response: When you stop making your mortgage payments for over 90 days, the bank can begin a foreclosure action against your husband (since he is the borrower under the loan so long as the bank abides by proper procedural rules). Whether you can now resume making mortgage payments depends on whether the bank has legally commenced a foreclosure proceeding (i.e. you had to be served with summons and complaint). Short sale is an option that is pursued when you want to sell your home but your home is worth less than the mortgage. Short sale is considered an alternative to foreclosure, the benefit of which is that the bank cannot obtain a deficiency judgment against you and then try to enforce it (if you have joint assets, then the bank could try to enforce such judgment against your assets). What you have to keep in mind though is that the difference between what you owe to the bank and what the bank actually recovers at sale will be used as income when you file your tax returns, i.e., if the property sells for the asking price of your short sale, you might end up paying taxes to the IRS on the $40k that was forgiven by your lender. So, to cut more to the chase: (1) only your husband's credit score will be negatively impacted as he is the only borrower under the note (his score is already adversely affected because he is no longer making payments); (2) you will be able to purchase another home in the future...if you intend to purchase another home with your husband before his credit recovers, then you may be better off taking out a mortgage in your name (your husband can still be a co-owner of the new property but you could be the sole borrower); and (3) the bank can go after you to collect only once the lengthy foreclosure process is actually completed (remember: it does not apply if you conduct a short sale other than the money you would owe to the IRS at the end of the year).
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: When you stop making your mortgage payments for over 90 days, the bank can begin a foreclosure action against your husband (since he is the borrower under the loan so long as the bank abides by proper procedural rules). Whether you can now resume making mortgage payments depends on whether the bank has legally commenced a foreclosure proceeding (i.e. you had to be served with summons and complaint). Short sale is an option that is pursued when you want to sell your home but your home is worth less than the mortgage. Short sale is considered an alternative to foreclosure, the benefit of which is that the bank cannot obtain a deficiency judgment against you and then try to enforce it (if you have joint assets, then the bank could try to enforce such judgment against your assets). What you have to keep in mind though is that the difference between what you owe to the bank and what the bank actually recovers at sale will be used as income when you file your tax returns, i.e., if the property sells for the asking price of your short sale, you might end up paying taxes to the IRS on the $40k that was forgiven by your lender. So, to cut more to the chase: (1) only your husband's credit score will be negatively impacted as he is the only borrower under the note (his score is already adversely affected because he is no longer making payments); (2) you will be able to purchase another home in the future...if you intend to purchase another home with your husband before his credit recovers, then you may be better off taking out a mortgage in your name (your husband can still be a co-owner of the new property but you could be the sole borrower); and (3) the bank can go after you to collect only once the lengthy foreclosure process is actually completed (remember: it does not apply if you conduct a short sale other than the money you would owe to the IRS at the end of the year).
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Monday, January 9, 2012
Miscalculated escrow payments by the bank
Question: The bank that holds my mortgage miscalculated my escrow payments for last year and I now have a substantial shortage. They claim they were misinformed by the mortgage holder they purchased the loan from. Should I be held responsible for this discrepancy?
Response: You can request a payment history from the bank and see how the funds were applied. You should know what your escrow payments are, as you get the statements from the bank and from the city/county. Therefore, if you notice a mistake, you can argue with the bank over the wrong information. Please note that taxes typically go up every year or so, and that your taxes could have gone up a while back and you might not have noticed, while the bank has rendered the difference. Typically, if there was a mistake made on the part of the bank and you can prove that mistake, the banks will credit your account for the mistake made on their part.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: You can request a payment history from the bank and see how the funds were applied. You should know what your escrow payments are, as you get the statements from the bank and from the city/county. Therefore, if you notice a mistake, you can argue with the bank over the wrong information. Please note that taxes typically go up every year or so, and that your taxes could have gone up a while back and you might not have noticed, while the bank has rendered the difference. Typically, if there was a mistake made on the part of the bank and you can prove that mistake, the banks will credit your account for the mistake made on their part.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Restarting the loan modification process after the first loan modification window has expired
Question: The bank I have a mortgage with has offered me a loan modification in September. However, due to minor changes in my records a couple of years ago, a notary public has refused to notarize my loan modification papers. I contacted my bank on the same day and subsequently in later days to come. Only now (three months later), my bank has accepted my amended records, but then said that my window for loan modification has expired two days prior to that. What can I do now?
Response: Unfortunately, the only place you can go from here is restarting the process from scratch. You will have to resubmit your paperwork and hopefully if the income is similar to what it has been at the time of previous submission, you will be approved with similar terms. The banks' timeframe for accepting paperwork late is usually stretched out until the end of the month approval was granted (i.e. the entire month of September). Unless the bank issues a new loan modification agreement with a new deadline for return, the original offer for a modification agreement is no longer on the table. The good news is that since the agreement from September has not been properly enforced, the bank can still issue a new modification agreement (although it is in the bank's discretion). You should try to speak to the same negotiator who issues the original modification agreement, supplement the bank with updated pay stubs and bank statements, probably re-date a few forms, and if the bank is working in good faith, it might re-issue the modification agreement with similar terms.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: Unfortunately, the only place you can go from here is restarting the process from scratch. You will have to resubmit your paperwork and hopefully if the income is similar to what it has been at the time of previous submission, you will be approved with similar terms. The banks' timeframe for accepting paperwork late is usually stretched out until the end of the month approval was granted (i.e. the entire month of September). Unless the bank issues a new loan modification agreement with a new deadline for return, the original offer for a modification agreement is no longer on the table. The good news is that since the agreement from September has not been properly enforced, the bank can still issue a new modification agreement (although it is in the bank's discretion). You should try to speak to the same negotiator who issues the original modification agreement, supplement the bank with updated pay stubs and bank statements, probably re-date a few forms, and if the bank is working in good faith, it might re-issue the modification agreement with similar terms.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Walking away from under water property
Question: One of my properties is under water and I would like to walk away from it. The bank knows my financial situation and I am not in hardship. What is a proper legal procedure I can follow to walk away from my house?
Response: In a somewhat rare situation like yours, it is best to negotiate a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure with the bank. If you simply walk away from your house now, the bank will follow its typical foreclosure routine and obtain a deficiency judgment against you. What makes your situation rare is that you actually have assets to satisfy deficiency judgment, as opposed to most other cases where the bank would not be able to enforce such deficiency. Therefore, in your situation, it is best to do the deed-in-lieu to the bank as long as it has been agreed that you walk away with a clean slate, i.e., no deficiency. Please note that the bank will usually consider a deed-in-lieu as the last resort. They would want you to try to do a short sale first. With short sales, there may be tax consequences and again, in your case, it would have to be properly negotiated with the bank to avoid that. Also, please note that in order to do a deed-in-lieu, the property must not be occupied by tenants.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: In a somewhat rare situation like yours, it is best to negotiate a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure with the bank. If you simply walk away from your house now, the bank will follow its typical foreclosure routine and obtain a deficiency judgment against you. What makes your situation rare is that you actually have assets to satisfy deficiency judgment, as opposed to most other cases where the bank would not be able to enforce such deficiency. Therefore, in your situation, it is best to do the deed-in-lieu to the bank as long as it has been agreed that you walk away with a clean slate, i.e., no deficiency. Please note that the bank will usually consider a deed-in-lieu as the last resort. They would want you to try to do a short sale first. With short sales, there may be tax consequences and again, in your case, it would have to be properly negotiated with the bank to avoid that. Also, please note that in order to do a deed-in-lieu, the property must not be occupied by tenants.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Friday, December 30, 2011
Speeding up the foreclosure process
Question: My home is in foreclosure and I don't know yet when the mortgage company will take over my home. My homeowners insurance will term next month and the mortgage company should start covering the house through the forced coverage. Given that my family is currently in financial distress, I would like get this home off our backs as soon as possible, since otherwise we could end up with a large financial obligation that we cannot afford. I am looking for suggestions on how to speed up this process.
Response: If your mortgage is under water (i.e. mortgage is greater than the appraised value of your home) and you are not renting any of the space to tenants, then consider contacting the bank to do a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. Basically, you transfer the deed of the property to the bank and you walk away debt-free. It is then the bank's responsibility to sell the property. Generally, the bank may require you to try to do a short-sale first (that is if the mortgage is under water). If you still have equity in your home, then you can always just try selling your home and paying off the debt to the bank. Otherwise, foreclosure process is very lengthy and will take a couple of years to be completed, especially in NY, and then the bank may obtain a deficiency judgment against you for the remaining balance (the difference of what is owed to the bank and what is recovered at foreclosure sale). Call an experienced attorney today to discuss your options.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: If your mortgage is under water (i.e. mortgage is greater than the appraised value of your home) and you are not renting any of the space to tenants, then consider contacting the bank to do a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. Basically, you transfer the deed of the property to the bank and you walk away debt-free. It is then the bank's responsibility to sell the property. Generally, the bank may require you to try to do a short-sale first (that is if the mortgage is under water). If you still have equity in your home, then you can always just try selling your home and paying off the debt to the bank. Otherwise, foreclosure process is very lengthy and will take a couple of years to be completed, especially in NY, and then the bank may obtain a deficiency judgment against you for the remaining balance (the difference of what is owed to the bank and what is recovered at foreclosure sale). Call an experienced attorney today to discuss your options.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Unaffordable mortgage payments coming off the interest only loan
Question: The term on my interest only loan will end soon and my home is under water. At the end, I will end up owing $100,000 more than what my home appraises to with 20 years left to pay off. Given the above, I do not qualify for refinancing nor any government programs. Also, my new mortgage payments will be more than double of what I have been paying so far, and I will not be able to afford them when they start to kick in. What can I do?
Response: The first step for you is to find out if your lender participates in the government's Making Home Affordable program (most major banks do). If you have sufficient income and have not yet defaulted on your mortgage, you may be able to refinance through Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). Another option is loan modification but beware that even though it is not required by law, most banks require that you default on your payments before you are considered for loan modification. Start off with calling your bank and inquiring as to what programs does the bank participate in. If they tell you to default on your mortgage payment, then a whole new can of worms opens up (i.e. ruined credit; potential foreclosure if the modification is not resolved) and I would recommend looking into other options first. The bottom line is--the bank does not want your home, and even more so if your mortgage is no longer secured by equity in your home.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: The first step for you is to find out if your lender participates in the government's Making Home Affordable program (most major banks do). If you have sufficient income and have not yet defaulted on your mortgage, you may be able to refinance through Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). Another option is loan modification but beware that even though it is not required by law, most banks require that you default on your payments before you are considered for loan modification. Start off with calling your bank and inquiring as to what programs does the bank participate in. If they tell you to default on your mortgage payment, then a whole new can of worms opens up (i.e. ruined credit; potential foreclosure if the modification is not resolved) and I would recommend looking into other options first. The bottom line is--the bank does not want your home, and even more so if your mortgage is no longer secured by equity in your home.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Unaffordable loan modification terms
Question: I have been applying for a loan modification for over a year. Finally, I got approved but my modified mortgage payment is only $50 less than my original payment. I still cannot afford this new monthly payment. If I do not sign this agreement will the bank continue to work with me in trying to modify my mortgage under better terms or will the bank automatically foreclose on my home?
Response: This is a tricky area. There are many factors that come into play in a situation like this, such as: monthly household income, the value of the home in comparison to your debt, how many payments were missed, whether your escrow has gone up, whether the loan is FHA (FHA loans generally end up in slightly higher monthly payments because different rules apply), etc . For instance, if you were qualified under HAMP and 31% of your gross monthly income is only $50 less than the original monthly mortgage payment, then the new amount is accurate, as it based entirely on your gross monthly income. Had 31% of your gross monthly payment exceeded the original monthly payment by any amount, you would have been denied altogether, citing that the original mortgage payment was affordable. This is precisely why it is hard to answer a question like this without knowing all the details of the situation. However, generally, once a loan modification agreement is issued, the bank will not conduct another review unless there is a material change in circumstances (for example, if your household income has increased since last submission of documents). Most banks conduct a review for HAMP and traditional modification. It is sometimes possible that a new review will result more favorably. It is always a good idea to consult with a professional who could accurately depict the picture of your available options before you choose an option that may later be regrettable. In any case, failure to accept proposed loan modification will not result in immediate foreclosure in NY. It is still a long and complex legal process that must run its course.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: This is a tricky area. There are many factors that come into play in a situation like this, such as: monthly household income, the value of the home in comparison to your debt, how many payments were missed, whether your escrow has gone up, whether the loan is FHA (FHA loans generally end up in slightly higher monthly payments because different rules apply), etc . For instance, if you were qualified under HAMP and 31% of your gross monthly income is only $50 less than the original monthly mortgage payment, then the new amount is accurate, as it based entirely on your gross monthly income. Had 31% of your gross monthly payment exceeded the original monthly payment by any amount, you would have been denied altogether, citing that the original mortgage payment was affordable. This is precisely why it is hard to answer a question like this without knowing all the details of the situation. However, generally, once a loan modification agreement is issued, the bank will not conduct another review unless there is a material change in circumstances (for example, if your household income has increased since last submission of documents). Most banks conduct a review for HAMP and traditional modification. It is sometimes possible that a new review will result more favorably. It is always a good idea to consult with a professional who could accurately depict the picture of your available options before you choose an option that may later be regrettable. In any case, failure to accept proposed loan modification will not result in immediate foreclosure in NY. It is still a long and complex legal process that must run its course.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
The option of deed-in-lieu for those rejected for a loan modification
Question: I have been rejected for a loan modification. Should I do a deed-in-lieu? If I take that option, can I continue to live in my home?
Response: The idea behind doing the deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is that the borrower transfers the ownership of the home to the bank, thus, wiping out the entire mortgage debt. Some banks even provide a financial incentive for the borrower to do so. The reasoning behind it is that the non-paying owner leaves, allowing the bank to try to re-sell the property, and this way, earn some, if not, all of its money back. As such, you cannot continue to live in the premises unless specifically agreed so with the lender.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: The idea behind doing the deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is that the borrower transfers the ownership of the home to the bank, thus, wiping out the entire mortgage debt. Some banks even provide a financial incentive for the borrower to do so. The reasoning behind it is that the non-paying owner leaves, allowing the bank to try to re-sell the property, and this way, earn some, if not, all of its money back. As such, you cannot continue to live in the premises unless specifically agreed so with the lender.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Monday, December 26, 2011
Foreclosure auction and eviction
Question: If my home does not sell at a foreclosure auction, will I be able to stay in my home?
Response: Generally, if there are no bidders at a foreclosure auction, the bank that owns the loan usually bids a nominal amount to take possession of the property. This way, the bank can at least have some security that if it resells the property at a later time, it will recover some, if not all, of the money that was originally borrowed but not paid back. It is further important to note that unless no one is living at the property at the time of sale, the bank will have to institute an eviction proceeding to get the old owner or tenants out of the house. Essentially, the eviction process takes time. Eventually, unless you bring an Order to Show Cause to the Court to prove otherwise, the bank will prevail at its eviction proceeding and at that point, you will no longer be able to stay at your old home. Since it is in the bank's best interest that you leave as soon as possible, oftentimes, the banks will offer different financial incentives to help speed up that process and avoid an eviction proceeding (some banks will pay for your move and offer extra money to start over, but that is not a rule of thumb).
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: Generally, if there are no bidders at a foreclosure auction, the bank that owns the loan usually bids a nominal amount to take possession of the property. This way, the bank can at least have some security that if it resells the property at a later time, it will recover some, if not all, of the money that was originally borrowed but not paid back. It is further important to note that unless no one is living at the property at the time of sale, the bank will have to institute an eviction proceeding to get the old owner or tenants out of the house. Essentially, the eviction process takes time. Eventually, unless you bring an Order to Show Cause to the Court to prove otherwise, the bank will prevail at its eviction proceeding and at that point, you will no longer be able to stay at your old home. Since it is in the bank's best interest that you leave as soon as possible, oftentimes, the banks will offer different financial incentives to help speed up that process and avoid an eviction proceeding (some banks will pay for your move and offer extra money to start over, but that is not a rule of thumb).
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Does 'trial' modification lead to 'permanent' loan modification?
Question: We have been working with the bank for the past two years to get a loan modification and now we are losing our house to foreclosure. Originally, we were put on a payment plan and have been paying less than what the actual mortgage payments were for the past two years. The bank has just contacted us with a decision that we were denied a loan modification stating that our debt to income ratio is not between 10-55%. What can we do?
Response: You most likely were given a "trial" loan modification in late 2009 or early 2010. Sadly, even as early as 2010, banks offered "trial" modifications over the phone without verifying financials, which is the essential component for banks now to offer a "trial" modification, and yet alone, permanent modification. I just successfully resolved almost an identical case, where the borrower was on a "trial" modification, paying a reduced sum for a duration of 18 months. After 18 months, he was denied a permanent modification. Generally, if foreclosure action has already been commenced, the court will regard this kind of a denial as bad faith and may even sanction the bank, but in this case, the bank did not commence a foreclosure proceeding and continued to accept payments from him and applied them as partial payments towards his original monthly mortgage payment (once foreclosure is commenced, the bank can no longer accept any payments from borrower other than to fully pay off the loan). Accordingly, upon denial, we resubmitted all the financial paper work to the bank and the financials showed affordability to the bank and my client was offered another modification plan (traditional, as opposed to HAMP). He was in a "trial" for 3 months, paying even less than he paid for those 18 months and after 2nd payment, he received a permanent modification agreement, offering very similar terms to HAMP (starting with 2.175% and eventually rising to 4.375% fixed). The bottom line is you still have options and can have a favorable outcome. You just have to reach out to an experienced attorney, who could help you and not mislead you.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: You most likely were given a "trial" loan modification in late 2009 or early 2010. Sadly, even as early as 2010, banks offered "trial" modifications over the phone without verifying financials, which is the essential component for banks now to offer a "trial" modification, and yet alone, permanent modification. I just successfully resolved almost an identical case, where the borrower was on a "trial" modification, paying a reduced sum for a duration of 18 months. After 18 months, he was denied a permanent modification. Generally, if foreclosure action has already been commenced, the court will regard this kind of a denial as bad faith and may even sanction the bank, but in this case, the bank did not commence a foreclosure proceeding and continued to accept payments from him and applied them as partial payments towards his original monthly mortgage payment (once foreclosure is commenced, the bank can no longer accept any payments from borrower other than to fully pay off the loan). Accordingly, upon denial, we resubmitted all the financial paper work to the bank and the financials showed affordability to the bank and my client was offered another modification plan (traditional, as opposed to HAMP). He was in a "trial" for 3 months, paying even less than he paid for those 18 months and after 2nd payment, he received a permanent modification agreement, offering very similar terms to HAMP (starting with 2.175% and eventually rising to 4.375% fixed). The bottom line is you still have options and can have a favorable outcome. You just have to reach out to an experienced attorney, who could help you and not mislead you.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Short Sale vs. Foreclosure: Holding the mortgagor responsible for the difference between mortgage principal and short sale offer
Question: We are selling our house via a short sale and have received an offer of 25% less than the mortgage principal we owe on the house. The bank has accepted the short sale offer but asked that we pay an additional $15,000 to the offer. The bank stated that if we pay the $15,000, we will be released from the remaining debt on our loan. What is the law regarding holding a mortgagor responsible for the difference between the mortgage principal and the short sale offer? Should we pay the $15,000 requested by the bank (we made a counter offer of 25% of what the bank requested), or should we let the house go into foreclosure? The foreclosure date has been scheduled within two months from now.
Response: Generally, conducting a short sale has tax consequences for the borrower in terms of the difference between the sale price and the mortgage amount. In today's economy, where the banks benefit a lot more from a short sale rather than waiting for many years to conduct a foreclosure sale, they are willing to negotiate with the borrower by releasing some or all of the additional debt. It is always a good idea to negotiate with the bank and you did the right thing by giving a counter offer. However, what is not clear to me is whether the bank has asked for additional $15,000 specifically to discharge additional debt or because they think the short sale offer is too low, i.e., they think they could receive $15,000.00 more if the bank conducted the sale itself (usually the banks look at today's fair market value when deciding what amount to settle for). As far as letting the home go into foreclosure, that too, may have severe financial consequences. The bank may obtain a deficiency judgment against you and go after your other personal assets to try to recover some of its money that were previously lent to you. Both short sale and foreclosure will adversely affect your credit but more so with foreclosure than the short sale. If the bank is willing to accept a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, that could be more advantageous to you, as you could avoid a deficiency judgment and it would be less harmful to your credit. However, the banks are not generally willing to entertain the idea of a deed-in-lieu when a short sale is still a possibility. Between two evils you are currently faced with, I would definitely say that a short sale is a lesser evil than foreclosure. As a side note, if you need more time to go through with the short sale and your foreclosure sale date is approaching, bring an Order to Show Cause to court to stop the foreclosure sale on an emergency basis. For example, short sale will take place soon and you need more time.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: Generally, conducting a short sale has tax consequences for the borrower in terms of the difference between the sale price and the mortgage amount. In today's economy, where the banks benefit a lot more from a short sale rather than waiting for many years to conduct a foreclosure sale, they are willing to negotiate with the borrower by releasing some or all of the additional debt. It is always a good idea to negotiate with the bank and you did the right thing by giving a counter offer. However, what is not clear to me is whether the bank has asked for additional $15,000 specifically to discharge additional debt or because they think the short sale offer is too low, i.e., they think they could receive $15,000.00 more if the bank conducted the sale itself (usually the banks look at today's fair market value when deciding what amount to settle for). As far as letting the home go into foreclosure, that too, may have severe financial consequences. The bank may obtain a deficiency judgment against you and go after your other personal assets to try to recover some of its money that were previously lent to you. Both short sale and foreclosure will adversely affect your credit but more so with foreclosure than the short sale. If the bank is willing to accept a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, that could be more advantageous to you, as you could avoid a deficiency judgment and it would be less harmful to your credit. However, the banks are not generally willing to entertain the idea of a deed-in-lieu when a short sale is still a possibility. Between two evils you are currently faced with, I would definitely say that a short sale is a lesser evil than foreclosure. As a side note, if you need more time to go through with the short sale and your foreclosure sale date is approaching, bring an Order to Show Cause to court to stop the foreclosure sale on an emergency basis. For example, short sale will take place soon and you need more time.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Friday, December 23, 2011
Refinancing vs. Loan Modification
Question: I am thinking of stopping to make mortgage payments so I could modify my loan. What's better: refinancing or loan modification?
Response: A lot of mortgage broker companies, as well as other types of real estate companies, that try to earn a living since the real estate market collapsed, will try to solicit you to get your loan modified with them. They might call or send you notices telling to that you are already approved to modify your loan at 2%. The actual process, however, is much more complicated before you have defaulted, i.e., stopped making your mortgage payments, your credit score may be good, if not excellent, to refinance your mortgage under today's fair market rate, which could often be similar, if not the same rate that is being offered once the loan is modified. If you go with the option of refinancing your loan, then your credit history stays untouched and you win twice. People who default on their mortgage payment should only be those who truly face some financial hardship (which is essentially a prerequisite to getting your loan modified). If you are experiencing financial distress and you defaulted or plan to default on your mortgage payments, the bank cannot commence a foreclosure action immediately as they must first give you 90 days to accelerate the entire remaining balance due under the note and mortgage agreements. Please beware that your credit score will start to drop immediately after you missed one payment and will progressively get worse, thus refinancing will no longer be an option. Modification then may be your only option to save your home and potentially lower your monthly payments (with FHA loans, it is very hard to lower monthly mortgage payments), however, you will not know if your loan will be modified until it is actually modified. Even after it is modified, it will take years for your credit history to recover. Before you default, you are in superior position--you have the time and resources to weigh all your options...
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: A lot of mortgage broker companies, as well as other types of real estate companies, that try to earn a living since the real estate market collapsed, will try to solicit you to get your loan modified with them. They might call or send you notices telling to that you are already approved to modify your loan at 2%. The actual process, however, is much more complicated before you have defaulted, i.e., stopped making your mortgage payments, your credit score may be good, if not excellent, to refinance your mortgage under today's fair market rate, which could often be similar, if not the same rate that is being offered once the loan is modified. If you go with the option of refinancing your loan, then your credit history stays untouched and you win twice. People who default on their mortgage payment should only be those who truly face some financial hardship (which is essentially a prerequisite to getting your loan modified). If you are experiencing financial distress and you defaulted or plan to default on your mortgage payments, the bank cannot commence a foreclosure action immediately as they must first give you 90 days to accelerate the entire remaining balance due under the note and mortgage agreements. Please beware that your credit score will start to drop immediately after you missed one payment and will progressively get worse, thus refinancing will no longer be an option. Modification then may be your only option to save your home and potentially lower your monthly payments (with FHA loans, it is very hard to lower monthly mortgage payments), however, you will not know if your loan will be modified until it is actually modified. Even after it is modified, it will take years for your credit history to recover. Before you default, you are in superior position--you have the time and resources to weigh all your options...
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Should I stop making home mortgage payments to get a loan modification?
Question: I keep on getting phone calls from mortgage brokers trying to convince me to stop making mortgage payments on my property in order to modify my loan at 2%. Should I actually stop making payments in order to get a loan modification?
Response: A lot of mortgage broker companies, as well as other types of real estate companies, that try to earn a living since the real estate market collapsed, will try to solicit you to get your loan modified with them. They might call or send you notices telling that you are already approved to modify your loan at 2%. Unfortunately, it is often true that banks themselves will also advise you to stop making mortgage payments in order to qualify for a loan modification. What they don't tell you is that you might not qualify. Most people do not realize that once you stop making monthly payments, a foreclosure action may be commenced after 3 months, and from that point on, a long, tedious process begins to save your home. Your unique circumstances will play a big role as to whether your loan will be modified. If you have not yet defaulted, first call your bank and see if they will even entertain an idea of working on a loan modification for you prior to default. It is always your best bet to consult with an experienced attorney and allow the attorney to negotiate with the bank on your behalf. Loan modification may save you up to 40% in your monthly mortgage payments but the process can also cause you a lot of stress and uncertainty (i.e. foreclosure). Weigh your options carefully before you voluntarily choose to default or believe someone that you are already approved for a loan modification!
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
Response: A lot of mortgage broker companies, as well as other types of real estate companies, that try to earn a living since the real estate market collapsed, will try to solicit you to get your loan modified with them. They might call or send you notices telling that you are already approved to modify your loan at 2%. Unfortunately, it is often true that banks themselves will also advise you to stop making mortgage payments in order to qualify for a loan modification. What they don't tell you is that you might not qualify. Most people do not realize that once you stop making monthly payments, a foreclosure action may be commenced after 3 months, and from that point on, a long, tedious process begins to save your home. Your unique circumstances will play a big role as to whether your loan will be modified. If you have not yet defaulted, first call your bank and see if they will even entertain an idea of working on a loan modification for you prior to default. It is always your best bet to consult with an experienced attorney and allow the attorney to negotiate with the bank on your behalf. Loan modification may save you up to 40% in your monthly mortgage payments but the process can also cause you a lot of stress and uncertainty (i.e. foreclosure). Weigh your options carefully before you voluntarily choose to default or believe someone that you are already approved for a loan modification!
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
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