Borrowers are Facing Foreclosure Problems.
Millions of people who probably couldn’t afford a home before were offered the chance to take out a mortgage when loose credit and subprime loans became the vogue, but now it is time to pay the piper.
Easy credit seemed like the perfect solution at this time, especially when there was no down payment required and the initial rates were fairly attractive tickler rates.
Now that home values are falling, and the reset rate on these adjustable rate mortgages are rising, many of these homeowners are facing big problems.
Rates on these loans could be as high as 10%at the time when prime mortgages were available at less than 6%, frequently resulting in home loan payments of over $2,000 on even small homes. Now, adjustments to the rates are pushing up the mortgage payments by an additional $300 to $400. Even if they want to refinance, they may not have the option since the value in their home has decreased and credit conditions have become much more stringent. (Now the balance of the loan is more than the value of the house.)
Is there some way out for these sub prime borrowers? There are some federal programs under consideration that may help, but homeowners have to look into steps they can take.
The one thing a homeowner should not do is to ignore the problem. If you know you will be late or unable to pay your monthly payment, get in touch with your lender and explain the problem. In many cases, they will work out a payment plan, especially if there has been some issue such as a loss of a job or illness.
Use a mortgage counselor. There are counselors who have been chosen by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to work with consumers to advise them in these circumstances.
Cut back on non essential expenses, especially if you have credit card debt. Certain expenses may be fairly fixed, like energy or food costs, but any extraneous costs, such as expensive cell phones or TV plans, should be dropped, at least until the crisis is over. Whatever you can to save you should use to pay down your high interest credit card debt.
Discover if you are a candidate for assistance. Some low income families who were not behind on their mortgage before their ARMs rate reset, may qualify for a 30 year fixed rate mortgages insured by the government.
There are some more drastic solutions, but if all else fails, you may not have a choice.
Sell the house. This is probably far from the most opportune time to sell your house, but some banks may take the proceeds of the sale in full settlement. It is better for them rather than endure a prolonged foreclosure process.
Choose bankruptcy. This is the most desperate solution, since it affects your financial life for the foreseeable future. It will further damage your already bad credit, but if you have no other way out, it is a way to have debt consolidated, reduced and in some cases even cancelled, depending on your income.
The bottom line is that the smart borrower will attempt to take steps before late reminders pile up and foreclosure is on the horizon.
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April 9, 2010
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Posted by John D. Brinker
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