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What is the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
Congress recently passed the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (“the Plan”), which provides various options for homeowners who are feeling the pressure of their monthly mortgage payments in the midst of job losses and rapidly falling home values. One of these options is a federally regulated loan modification program that gives certain incentives to mortgage loan servicers and homeowners for participation in the program; a loan modification changes the terms of the mortgage loan based on the Plan’s regulations so that a homeowner can better afford the payments and avoid the risk of foreclosure.
The Plan also contains a Home Affordable Refinance program, which allows certain homeowners to refinance their mortgage loans. Typically, loan servicers will not permit refinancing where a homeowner has less than 80% equity in his or her home, which has become more and more common as home values have declined in the current recession. Under the Refinance program, however, even homeowners who have less equity may be able to refinance into fixed rate mortgage loans that take advantage of the historically low interest rates.
Participation by mortgage loan servicers in each of these programs is voluntary, so if you are interested in either program, you’ll need to make sure that your loan servicer has signed a contract with the government in order to participate in the program. You can do this by checking the list of participating loan servicers online at www.financialstability.gov, or by contacting your loan servicer directly.
Other Other Real Estate and Homeowner Issues FAQs
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Q:
When and why does foreclosure begin?
A: Lenders will initiate foreclosure proceedings when homeowners become delinquent in their mortgage obligations, usually after three payments are missed. The lender … More -
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How do creditors get paid when foreclosing on a house to satisfy unpaid debts?
A: A foreclosure is where the creditor collects its lien by forcing a sale of the debtor's real property. The creditor receives the amount of the proceeds from the sale … More -
Q:
What is a loan modification, and how will it help me with my mortgage?
A: A loan modification occurs when a homeowner enters into an agreement with his or her mortgage loan servicer to change the terms of the mortgage. The goal … More -
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How long does it take to get a loan modification?
A: The length of time that it takes to get a loan modification depends greatly on how long it takes your mortgage holder to process your loan modification, as … More -
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What do I need to give to my loan servicer if I am requesting a loan modification?
A: You are likely to need the following documents for your loan modification request: · Recent paystubs or … More -
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What are the basic eligibility requirements for a loan modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
A: You must meet some minimum eligibility requirements in order to qualify for a loan modification under the plan: · … More -
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Will I be ineligible for a loan modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan if I am current in my mortgage payments?
A: No. You may still be eligible for a loan modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan if you are current in your mortgage payments, but you are … More -
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Will I be eligible for a loan modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan if I am behind in my mortgage payments, but my house is not yet in foreclosure?
A: As long as you are otherwise eligible under the basic requirements discussed above, you have missed two or more mortgage payments, and your loan servicer is … More -
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Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan save my home from foreclosure?
A: It is possible that the Plan may save your home from foreclosure, but there are no guarantees. Many loan servicers have already stopped foreclosure proceedings … More -
Q:
I have already filed for bankruptcy. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan help me keep my home?
A: While the Plan does not contain specific provisions about consumers who are already in bankruptcy, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009, which is … More

