Details on HUD Emergency Homeowners Loan Program

On October 5, 2010, HUD released details about the $1 Billion Emergency Homeowners Loan Program (EHLP) authorized by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

EHLP will offer declining balance, deferred payment “bridge loan” (non-recourse, subordinate loans with 0% interest rate) for up to $50,000 to assist eligible homeowners with payments of arrearages, including delinquent taxes and insurance plus up to 24 months of monthly payments on their mortgage principal, interest, mortgage insurance premiums, taxes, and hazard insurance.

Borrowers living in the following jurisdictions are eligible to receive funds through the EHLP:

TX	Texas	$ 135,418,959
NY	New York	$ 111,649,112
PA	Pennsylvania	$ 105,804,905
MA	Massachusetts	$  61,036,001
WA	Washington	$  56,272,599
MN	Minnesota	$  55,848,137
WI	Wisconsin	$   51,540,638
MO	Missouri	$   49,001,729
VA	Virginia	$   46,627,889
CO	Colorado	$   41,286,747
MD	Maryland	$   39,962,270
CT	Connecticut	$   32,946,864
KS	Kansas	$   17,748,782
AR	Arkansas	$   17,736,991
IA	Iowa	$   17,379,343
LA	Louisiana	$   16,691,558
UT	Utah	$   16,577,582
OK	Oklahoma	$   15,575,381
PR	Puerto Rico	$   14,714,668
ID	Idaho	$   13,284,075
NH	New Hampshire	$   12,655,243
NM	New Mexico	$   10,725,515
ME	Maine	$   10,379,657
WV	West Virginia	$     8,339,884
NE	Nebraska	$     8,304,512
HI	Hawaii	$     6,292,250
DE	Delaware	$     6,048,577
MT	Montana	$     5,710,580
VT	Vermont	$     4,830,215
AK	Alaska	$     3,890,898
WY	Wyoming	$     2,346,329
SD	South Dakota	$     2,051,563
ND	North Dakota	$     1,320,547
Total:		$ 1,000,000,000

Program Administration

Delegated Approach: Borrowers who are listed in one of the above 32 states or Puerto Rico will meet with non-profit housing counselors who are part of the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program administered by NeighborWorks® America to receive funding.

The non-profit housing counselors will provide intake and outreach services including:

• (i) developing and disseminating program marketing materials, (ii) providing an overview of the program and eligibility requirements, (iii) conducting initial eligibility screening (including verifying income), (iv) counseling  potential applicants, providing information concerning available employment and training resources,  (v) collecting and assembling homeowner documentation, (vi) submitting homeowner application, and (vii) providing transition counseling to explore with the homeowner other loss mitigation options, including loan modification, short sale, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, or traditional sale of home.

• The counselors shall also be encouraged to conduct outreach to entities in local communities to provide information on assistance available to unemployed homeowners through this program and shall publicize the list of entities approved to assist potential applicants with applying to the program

State Law Approach: Borrowers or state HFAs that operate loan assistance programs that are determined by HUD to be substantially similar to the EHRF program will receive allocations to fund emergency loans for borrowers in the states below:

Alabama	$60,672,471
California	$476,257,070
Florida	$238,864,755
Georgia	$126,650,987
Illinois	$166,352,726
Indiana	$82,762,859
Kentucky	$55,588,050
Michigan	$128,461,559
Mississippi	$38,036,950
Nevada	$34,056,581
New Jersey	$112,200,638
North Carolina	$120,874,221
Ohio	$148,728,864
Oregon	$49,294,215
Rhode Island	$13,570,770
South Carolina	$58,772,347
Tennessee	$81,128,260
Washington, DC	$7,726,678

Allocation of Program Funds

Recipient Geography: HUD will assist borrowers living in Puerto Rico and the 32 states otherwise not funded by Treasury’s Innovation Fund for Hardest Hit Housing Markets (Hardest Hit Fund) program.

Allocation Amount: The total amount reserved will be based on the state’s approximate share of unemployed homeowners with a mortgage relative to all unemployed homeowners with a mortgage

Targeting Funds to Local Geographies: HUD will provide information that identifies pockets within each of the designated states that have suffered the most from recent spikes in unemployment and/or mortgage delinquencies.  HUD will encourage the use of program dollars in these hardest-hit areas.

Homeowner Eligibility and Program Operation

Income Thresholds: Has a total pre-event household income equal to, or less than, 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which includes wage, salary, and self-employed earnings and income.

Significant Income Reduction: Has a current gross income (income before taxes) that is at least 15% lower than the pre-event income.

• “Pre-event income”: the income prior to the onset of unemployment, underemployment, or medical emergency
• “Current income”: the income at the time of program application, as well as income during the period that the homeowner continues to receive assistance from the fund

Employment type: Both wage and salary workers and self-employed individuals are eligible.

Delinquency and Likelihood of Foreclosure: Must be at least 3 months delinquent on payments and have received notification of an intention to foreclose.  This requirement can be documented by any written communication from the mortgagee to the homeowner indicating at least 3 months of missed payments and the mortgagee’s intent to foreclose.  In addition, the homeowner can self-certify that there is a likelihood of initiation of foreclosure on the part of their mortgagee due to the homeowner being at least 3 months delinquent in their monthly payment.

Ability to Resume Repayment: Has a reasonable likelihood of being able to resume repayment of the first mortgage obligations within 2 years, and meet other housing expenses and debt obligations when the household regains full employment, as determined by:

• The homeowner must have a back-end or debt-to-income (DTI) ratio below 55%

Back-end DTI ratio:

Total Monthly Debt Expenses ÷ Total Gross Monthly Income

• Total monthly debt expenses = mortgage principal, interest, taxes, insurance, & revolving and fixed installment debt

***Note: For this calculation, gross income will be measured at the “pre-event” level***

Principal Residence: Must reside in the mortgaged property and be your  principal residence.  The mortgaged property must also be a single family residence (1 – 4 unit structure or condominium unit).

Creation of HUD Note:  After the first assistance payment is made on behalf of the homeowner, the fiscal agent will create an open-ended “HUD note” and a mortgage to be  in the name of the Secretary HUD of sufficient size to accommodate the expected amount of assistance to be provided to homeowner.

Ongoing Qualification of Homeowner

Termination of Monthly Assistance: Assistance is terminated and the homeowner resumes full responsibility for meeting the first lien mortgage payments in the event of any of the following circumstances:

• The maximum loan ($50,000) amount has been reached;
• The homeowner fails to report changes in unemployment status or income;
• The homeowner’s income regains 85% or more of its pre-event level;
• The homeowner no longer resides in, sells, or refinances the debt on the mortgaged property; or
• The homeowner defaults on their portion of the current first lien mortgage loan payments

Income re-evaluation: After initial income verification at application intake, the homeowner shall be required to notify the fiscal agent of any changes in the household income and/or employment status at any point throughout the entire period of assistance

Forms of Assistance

Use of Funds for Arrearages: On behalf of the homeowner, the fiscal agent shall use loan funds to pay 100% of arrears (mortgage principal, interest, mortgage insurance premiums, taxes, hazard insurance, and ground rent, if any)

Homeowner Payments: Homeowner contribution to monthly payment on first mortgage will be set at 31% of gross income at the time of application, but in no instance will it be less than $25 per month

Use of Funds for Continuing Mortgage Assistance: The fiscal agent will make monthly mortgage payments to the servicer of the first lien mortgage in excess of the payments made by the homeowner

Duration of Assistance: If at any time the household’s gross income increases to 85% or more of its pre-event level, assistance will be phased out by the fiscal agent over a 2 month period.  In any event, assistance with monthly payments may not continue beyond 24 months

Repayment Terms

Transition Counseling:   The designated counseling agent shall contact each homeowner that is approaching the last months of program eligibility and remains un/underemployed (3-6 months before the assistance ends) and require the homeowner  to meet with a HUD approved counseling agent to explore other loss mitigation options, including loan modification, short sales, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, or traditional sale of home

Repayment of HUD Note: Following the last payment on behalf of the homeowner, the fiscal agent will process the homeowner’s “HUD Note” and record a mortgage with a specific loan balance.  The note and mortgage will be in the form of a 5 year declining balance, 0% interest, non-recourse loan, and the mortgage shall be in the form of a secured junior lien on the property

Terms for Declining Balance Feature:  No payment is due on the note during the 5 year term so long as the assisted household maintains the property as principal residence and remains current in his or her monthly payments on the first mortgage loan.  If the homeowner meets these two conditions, the balance due shall decline by 20% annually, until the note is extinguished and the junior loan is terminated

Events Triggering Note Repayment: The homeowner will be responsible for repayment of the applicable balance of the HUD note to the fiscal agent or its successor,  if, at any time during the 5 year repayment period, any of the following events occur:

• The homeowner no longer resides in the mortgaged property as a principal residence, but maintains ownership;
• The homeowner defaults on its portion of  the current mortgage; or
• The homeowner receives net proceeds from selling or refinancing debt on the home.

***Note: Net proceeds — after paying outstanding applicable brokers fees, first balances (and second lien balances, as applicable), and an allowance of $2,000 to the homeowner for relocation expenses when the home is sold — will go towards paying down the HUD note.  In the event that proceeds of a sale or loan refinance are not sufficient to repay the entire HUD note, the remaining applicable balance of the HUD note shall be considered to have been met, and the lien against the property shall be released***

Provisions for Underwater Homeowners: At all stages of the program, “underwater” homeowners will be encouraged to explore participation in short sale or short refinancing programs offered by their servicer and/or the federal government (i.e. Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives), which will not trigger repayment of the HUD note

• Underwater homeowners = homeowners with mortgage debt in excess of the market value of their home

Program Start Date

HUD intends for EHLP to begin taking applications by the end of 2010

Fannie Mae Launches Distressed Borrower Education Site

 

Fannie Mae launches a borrower-facing outreach site designed to educate distressed homeowners on potential retention strategies and foreclosure alternatives.

The online education resource — available in both English and Spanish — offers calculators to demonstrate to borrowers the mechanics of refinance, repayment, forbearance, and modification options if the borrowers would like to keep their home. In addition, it covers information on Fannie’s Deed-For-Lease program, which allows borrowers to become renters in the same property after pursing deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

For borrowers who would like to leave their home, the online education resource offers possible options such as, a short sale and deed-in-lieu of foreclosure when you can no longer stay in your home but want to avoid foreclosure.

For borrowers who aren’t sure what the best option is for them, the Options Finder can assist you. By answering some questions, the Options Finder determines which option may be right based on your current situation.

When you need additional assistance, the Resources section offers the following and much more:

Fannie Mae Resources

Review what Fannie Mae is doing to assist homeowners and how they can help you.

Contact your Mortgage Company

Find and contact your mortgage company to discuss your situation.

Helpful Forms

Download forms to help you prepare for (and keep track of) working with your mortgage company or a housing counselor.

Calculators

Use the calculators to determine which scenario fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Search for helpful answers to some of the most common questions regarding your options.

Take Action – What You Should Do Next

Once you ’ve learned about options that may be available for your situation, it’s time to take action.

Step 1: Research

Be sure to bookmark the page and print the information on the option(s) that applies best to your situation. You will want to refer to this information when speaking with your mortgage company.

Step 2: Gather

Gather the information shown below. You’ll need this information handy so you can refer to it during your discussion with your mortgage company. Use the Financial Checklist to help get organized and prepared.

• Your mortgage(s): Loan number, past due notices, monthly statement, etc. for your first mortgage and second mortgage or other liens (if applicable).
• Your other debts: Copies of bills and monthly statements for all other debts such as credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, utilities, etc.
• Your income: Paystubs, unemployment benefits letter, alimony, child support, etc. for all borrowers on the mortgage.
• Your hardship: Explain your situation and any hardship that has affected your income or ability to make your payments, etc.

Step 3: Contact

Contact your mortgage company and ask them about the options that are available for your specific situation. Also ask for the name and/or employee number of the mortgage specialist who is helping you and be sure to give them your up-to-date contact information. Use the Contact Log to keep track of your conversations and follow-up items.

Step 4: Discuss

Make sure you are ready to discuss everything about your current situation—the more the mortgage company understands and the more accurate the information, the more they can help you find the right option.

Step 5: Confirm

Ask them to confirm your current situation to be certain there are no other issues. Make sure you understand the next steps involved and if there is anything you will need to complete for the specific option.

HAMP 2nd Lien Modification Program (2MP)

 

***UPDATE:  Click HERE to view a 30-minute self-guided tutorial that provides an overview of the Second Lien Modification Program (2MP) for servicers of non-Government Sponsored Entities (GSE) loans.***

Note: If you are having a problem accessing the tutorial, email me at lauren@lossmitigationmasters.com

Many homeowners may be struggling to make their monthly mortgage payments because they have a second lien.  Even when a first mortgage payment is affordable, the addition of a second lien can sometimes increase monthly payments beyond affordable levels.  Second liens often complicate or prevent modification or refinancing of a first mortgage.

The 2nd Lien Modification Program (2MP) offers homeowners a way to lower payments on their second mortgage.  2MP offers homeowners, their mortgage servicers, and investors an incentive for modifying a second lien.  Servicers and investors may also receive an incentive for extinguishing a second lien, forgiving all of the debt a homeowner owes.

Homeowners must provide consent to share their first lien mortgage modification information with their second lien mortgage servicer, if they are different. Since 2MP is meant to be complementary to the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), a homeowner must have their first lien modified through HAMP before the second lien can be modified under 2MP.

Under 2MP, with their investor’s guidance, a mortgage servicer may:

• Reduce the interest rate to 1% for second liens that pay both principal and interest (amortizing)
• Reduce the interest rate to 1% amortizing or 2% interest-only for interest-only second liens
• Extend the term of the second lien to 40 years
• If the principal was deferred (through forbearance) or forgiven on the first lien, a servicer must forbear the same proportion on the second lien; although a servicer may, in its discretion, forgive any portion or all of the second lien and receive incentives for doing so

A second lien is eligible for 2MP if:

• the corresponding first lien has been modified under the Obama Administration’s HAMP and the second lien servicer is participating
• it was originated on or before January 1, 2009
• it does not have an unpaid principal balance (at consideration for the modification) of less than $5,000 or a pre-modification scheduled monthly payment of less than $100
• it has not yet been modified under 2MP
• it is not subordinate to a second lien or is not a home equity loan in first lien position
• it is not a second lien on which no interest is charged and no payments are due until the first lien is paid in full
• the second lien servicer is in possession of a fully executed 2MP modification agreement or trial period plan by December 31, 2012; or the second lien is not insured, guaranteed, or held by a Federal government agency (e.g. FHA, HUD, VA, and Rural Development)

Examples

Family A: Amortizing Second Mortgage

In 2006: Family A took out a 30-year closed-end second mortgage with a balance of $45,000 and an interest rate of 8.6%.

Today: Family A has an unpaid balance of almost $44,000 on their second mortgage.

Under the 2MP: The interest rate on Family A’s second mortgage will be reduced to 1% for 5 years. This will reduce their annual payments by over $2,300.

After those five years, Family A’s mortgage payment will rise again but to a more moderate level.

	Existing Mortgage	Loan Modification
Balance	$43,942	$43,942
Remaining Years	27	27
Interest Rate	8.6%	1.0%
Monthly Payment	$349.48	$154.81
Savings	$195 per month, $2,336 per year for five years

Family B: Interest-Only Second Mortgage

In 2006: Family B took out an interest-only second mortgage with a balance of $60,000, an interest rate of 4.4%, and a term of 15 years.

Today: Family B has $60,000 remaining on their interest-only second mortgage because none of the principal was paid down.

Under the 2MP: The interest rate on Family B’s interest-only second mortgage will be reduced to 2% for 5 years. This will reduce their annual interest payments by $1,440.

After those five years, Family B’s mortgage payment will adjust back up and the mortgage will amortize over a term equal to the longer of (i) the remaining term of the family’s modified first mortgage (e.g. 27 years if the first mortgage had a 30 year term at origination and was three years old at the time of modification) or (ii) the originally scheduled amortization term of the second mortgage.

	Existing Mortgage	Loan Modification
Balance	$60,000	$60,000
Remaining Years	12	27 (term reset to the remaining term of the modified first loan)
Interest Rate	4.4%	2.0%
Monthly Interest Payments	$220	$100
Savings	$120 per month, $1,440 per year for five years

List of Participating Servicers

• Bank of America (including Countrywide)
• Citi Mortgage, Inc.
• Chase (including EMC and WaMu)
• Wells Fargo (including Wachovia)
• BayView Loan Servicing, LLC
• Servis One dba BSI Financial Services
• iServe Servicing, Inc.

More servicers will be added in the near future as they join the program.

For more information, contact your mortgage servicer.

Bank of America NHRP Enhancements FAQs

 

Am I eligible for the National Homeownership Retention Program (NHRP)?

First, Bank of America (BOA) Home Loans will need to determine your financial situation and hardship. Once BOA has your current financial information, BOA will evaluate the your loan for all possible home retention options so that you can determine which option might be right for you.

You may be eligible for the enhancements to the NHRP if you meet the following program requirements:

• Have a Countrywide subprime mortgage, a Pay-Option adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) or a prime two-year hybrid ARM
• Originated your loan on or prior to January 1, 2009
• Are 60 days or more delinquent or in imminent danger of default and the current loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is 75% or higher (The LTV ratio is the ratio between the unpaid principal amount of your loan and the appraised value of the homeowner’s home)
• Have a subprime hybrid ARM and are current but believe you will not be able to afford your mortgage payment in the near future as a consequence of a rate reset, and the LTV ratio at the time of the modification is 75% or higher
• Have a Pay Option ARM and are current but believe you will not be able to afford your mortgage payment in the near future as a consequence of a rate reset or payment recast, and the LTV ratio at the time of the modification is 75% or higher
• Have a property that is a 1-to-4 unit owner-occupied residential property
• For the earned forgiveness program, be 60 days or more delinquent and the current LTV ratio is 120% or higher
• For the negative amortization principal reduction program, be 60 days or more delinquent or be current but reasonably likely to become 60 days or more delinquent (i.e. facing imminent default) and the current LTV ratio is above 95%.

***Note: You may go online and fill out the Financial Worksheet to update BOA on your current financial situation. BOA will compare this information to all available home loan assistance programs***

Exactly what will BOA offer to eligible borrowers?

BOA Home Loans offers a range of modification solutions for customers facing financial hardship. The NHRP is one of the programs that BOA offer for customers with subprime loans, Pay-Option ARM loans or prime two-year hybrid loans who meet program requirements. Other programs, such as the Home Affordable Modification program (HAMP), are also available and designed to provide more affordable mortgage payments to customers facing financial hardship. Modifications will provide more affordable payments using a combination of the following:

• Reducing interest rate
• Providing a term extension
• Providing principal forgiveness or principal forbearance

Once the enhancements are launched, BOA Home Loans will both mail and call all eligible customers to collect the necessary information and determine if they qualify for the NHRP.

How do I know if I have a Subprime loan, Pay-Option adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loan, or a two-year hybrid ARM?

If you are not sure what type of loan you have with BOA Home Loans, please call them at 800.669.6607 and they can provide you with that information.

***Note: Prior to calling, please print out the Call Information Sheet and take note of your account number and any questions you may have. You’ll be given a lot of information during your conversations. It’s a good idea to take notes for future reference***

How do I find out if I am eligible?

Click here to determine if you are eligible through the online questionnaire

How do I apply?

Please call BOA Home Loans Customer Service at 800.669.6607.

BOA Home Loans will also be contacting eligible customers to see if they are interested in applying for the program.

When will the program start or go into effect?

The program launched in 2008, and was enhanced in mid-May.

How will the NHRP use principal forgiveness to make my mortgage payment more affordable?

The NHRP looks at each customer’s situation and determines how they can provide you with an affordable mortgage payment. Depending on your situation, the NHRP may use principal forgiveness to do this. The NHRP may offer principal forbearance with an opportunity to earn principal forgiveness.

Principal forbearance provides temporary relief during a time of hardship. This means after demonstrating a hardship, BOA Home Loans will defer or postpone your mortgage payment for a period of time. For purposes of NHRP and the HAMP, BOA Home Loans offers interest-free forbearance to qualifying borrowers for the life of the loan. At the end of the loan term or at the time the loan is paid off through sale or refinancing, any remaining forborne amount must be paid by the borrower.

You may also qualify for earned principal forgiveness where a portion of the debt or loan amount is waived and you are no longer responsible to pay back that amount. However, you must remain in good standing on your payments or you will not receive forgiveness. The principal forgiveness occurs over 5 years. The amount of principal forgiveness that you can earn remains the same for the first 3 years. In the 4th and 5th years, the amount of forgiveness may be less, if an increase in the property value since the modification was made would result in your principal balance dropping below the current value of the property.

***Note: There may be tax implications. You may want to consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation***

I wanted principal forgiveness when I was reviewed for a modification and I didn’t get it. How do I get it now?

All BOA Home Loans modification solutions are designed to bring a loan payment to an affordable and reasonable amount that borrowers are able to sustain over time. If you have completed a loan modification or are currently in a trial period for a modification, your loan likely received a rate forgiveness and/or term extension in order to achieve an affordable and reasonable payment. Principal forgiveness is another tool to achieve this same result. In addition, under the federal government’s HAMP, you can only qualify for one modification, so if you are in a trial period plan or a permanent modification, you would not qualify for another modification.

However, BOA will consider the application of the principal reduction enhancements to potentially eligible trial and permanent modifications, and will notify eligible borrowers accordingly.

I am in my Trial Period and have not received my final modification yet. How do I get a principal forgiveness too?

If you are currently in a trial modification, a solution to bring your mortgage to an affordable and reasonable payment has been achieved and no additional tools (including principal forgiveness) would be necessary. BOA encourages you to continue making timely payments and to return all required, completed documents to ensure your trial will convert to a permanent modification, as you cannot be considered for another HAMP modification if you do not fulfill your trial modification requirements.

Two months ago this would have helped me but now my house is on the market for a short sale. How do I get a principal forgiveness and a modification now?

Even though you have started the short sale process, you can still be evaluated for a loan modification unless you have already been in a modification trial period or have received a permanent modification. If your financial situation has changed, BOA can collect your new financial information and reevaluate your loan for this program and other foreclosure prevention options. Please call BOA at 800.669.6607 to learn how to provide this new information.

This is something I asked for months ago, and now I am in foreclosure. What are you going to do for me now?

If your financial situation has changed since your loan was last evaluated for a modification, BOA can collect your new financial information and reevaluate the loan for this and other foreclosure prevention options.

What happens if I can’t qualify for a modification or a principal forgiveness?

Your loan will be considered for all modification programs available to you to help you achieve an affordable monthly mortgage payment. If you are not eligible for a loan modification, BOA can discuss other options.

What do I do if my state is not mentioned or included in this agreement?

Your state does not have to participate in the program for you to be eligible or considered for a modification. If you are a BOA Home Loans customer, BOA can discuss your situation and see if you qualify for NHRP or other modification options to assist you. Please call BOA Home Loans Customer Service at 800.669.6607.

I have a rental/vacation/investment property. Does that qualify?

No. This program is only for owner-occupied properties.

I have a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or second mortgage. Does the NHRP apply to that loan?

No, the NHRP does not cover HELOCs or second mortgages. If you have a HELOC or second mortgage with BOA Home Loans, BOA will review it when they review your first mortgage. If your HELOC or second mortgage is with another lender, you will need to discuss your options with that lender.

If your first lien is held by an investor other than BOA or one of its subsidiaries and you have a second lien on the property, BOA is unable to consider your first lien for modification under the new programs, but they will review your eligibility for another solution using HAMP or their proprietary modification programs.

Do I have to pay a fee to participate, or are there closing costs related to this program?

There are no fees assessed for participating in any modification program with BOA Home Loans.

What if I’m already in the foreclosure process?

You may still be reviewed for a modification. If you are eligible for one of BOA’s programs, your foreclosure sale may be placed on hold while BOA works to qualify you for the program and work through the modification process.  Please call BOA at 800.669.6607.

What if I’m current on my loan, but would like to be considered for this program?

Customers current on their loans may qualify for this program if they can demonstrate in good faith that they are reasonably likely to become 60 days or more delinquent as a result of a rate reset on a subprime loan or a Pay-Option ARM loan or prime two-year hybrid ARM, or a payment recast based on negative amortization on a Pay-Option ARM loan, and their LTV ratio is 75% or higher. You will be asked to provide financial documentation demonstrating financial hardship to qualify for the program. With respect to the recently announced principal reduction enhancements to the program, the negative amortization write-down solution is being offered to certain Pay Option ARM borrowers who are current on their payments but facing imminent default.

I’m current on my mortgage, but I owe more than my home is worth. Can I qualify for principal forgiveness?

If you are current on your loan, BOA will first evaluate you for the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), which BOA is required to do under the government guidelines. If you do not qualify for a refinance, BOA will then evaluate your loan for the HAMP under Imminent Default if you have a financial hardship and will not be able to afford your current mortgage payment in the immediate future.

How long will BOA Home Loans offer this program?

BOA has expanded the program until December 31, 2012, six months longer than the original program date.

Home Affordable Refinance FAQs

I’m current on my mortgage. Will the Home Affordable Refinance help me?

Eligible borrowers who are current on their mortgages but have been unable to take advantage of today’s lower interest rates because their homes have decreased in value, may now have the opportunity to refinance. Through the Home Affordable Refinance Program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow the refinancing of mortgage loans that they own or that they placed in mortgage backed securities.

How do I know if the refinance will improve the long term affordability or stability of my loan?

Your lender will give you a “Good Faith Estimate” that includes your new interest rate, mortgage payment and the amount you will pay over the life of the loan. Compare this to your current loan terms. If it is not an improvement, refinancing may not be right for you. Also consider that refinancing from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate loan or eliminating higher risk loan terms such as interest only payments or balloon payments may also provide long term stability.

I owe more than my property is worth. Do I still qualify to refinance under the Making Home Affordable Program?

Eligible loans will include those where the first mortgage will not exceed 105% of the current market value of the property. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $210,000 or less on your first mortgage you may qualify. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance.

I have both a first and a second mortgage. Do I still qualify to refinance under Making Home Affordable?

As long as the amount due on the first mortgage is less than 105% of the value of the property, borrowers with more than one mortgage may be eligible for a Home Affordable Refinance. Your eligibility will depend, in part, on agreement by the lender that has your second mortgage remain in a second position, and on your ability to meet the new payment terms on the first mortgage.

Will refinancing lower my payments?

The objective of the Home Affordable Refinance is to provide creditworthy borrowers who have shown a commitment to paying their mortgage, the opportunity to get into a mortgage with payments that are affordable today and sustainable for the life of the loan. Borrowers whose mortgage interest rates are much higher than the current market rate should see an immediate reduction in their payments.

Borrowers who are paying interest only, or who have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future, may not see their current payment go down if they refinance to a fixed rate and payment. However, these borrowers could save a great deal over the life of the loan by avoiding future mortgage payment increases. When you submit a loan application, your lender will give you a “Good Faith Estimate” that includes your new interest rate, mortgage payment and the amount that you will pay over the life of the loan. Compare this to your current loan terms. If it is not an improvement, a refinancing may not be right for you.

What are the interest rate and other terms of this refinance offer?

The rate will be based on market rates in effect at the time of the refinance and any associated points and fees quoted by the lender. Interest rates may vary across lenders and over time as market rates adjust. The refinanced loans will have no prepayment penalties or balloon payments.

Will refinancing reduce the amount that I owe on my loan?

No. The objective of the Home Affordable Refinance is to help borrowers get into more affordable loans. Refinancing will not reduce the principal amount you owe to the first mortgage holder or any other debt you owe. However, refinancing should save you money by reducing the amount of interest that you pay over the life of the loan.

Can I get cash out to pay other debts?

No. However, borrowers whose loans are owned or securitized by Fannie Mae may be eligible to finance all closing costs and obtain a small amount of cash (2% of the mortgage amount not to exceed $2,000) through the refinance if there is sufficient equity. For borrowers whose loans are owned or securitized by Freddie Mac, transaction costs (not to exceed $2,500) such as the cost of an appraisal or title report, may be included in the refinanced amount.

I am delinquent on my mortgage. Will I qualify for a Home Affordable Refinance?

No. Borrowers who are currently delinquent or have been 30 days overdue more than once during the past 12 months will not qualify. You should contact your servicer to see if a Home Affordable Modification is an option for you.

Will I need mortgage insurance?

If your existing loan has private mortgage insurance, you will need the same amount of insurance coverage for the refinanced loan. If your existing loan does not have private mortgage insurance it will not be required as part of the Home Affordable Refinance.

How long will the Home Affordable Refinance be available?

The program expires on June 10, 2010. Your refinance transaction must be closed and funded on or before that date.

Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009

On May 20, 2009, President Obama signed the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 into law.

The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 is an important step towards stabilizing and reforming our nation’s financial and housing markets – helping American homeowners and increasing the flow of credit during these difficult economic times.  This legislation will strengthen our nation’s housing sector and facilitate the goals of the Administration’s Making Home Affordable Program by helping millions of American homeowners stay in their homes.

Before signing the bill, President Obama said the bill “expands the reach of our existing housing plan for homeowners with FHA or USDA rural housing loans, providing them with new opportunities to modify or refinance their mortgages to more affordable levels.”

Expanding reach of Making Home Affordable to help more homeowners

The deep contraction in the economy and in the housing market has created devastating consequences for homeowners and communities throughout the country.  Since January, the Administration has made significant progress in developing and implementing a comprehensive plan for stabilizing our housing market, the centerpiece of which is the Making Home Affordable Program (MHA). By reducing foreclosures around the country, the average homeowner could see their house price bolstered by as much as $6,000 as a result of this plan, and as many as 9 million homeowners may increase the affordability of their mortgages and avoid preventable foreclosures.

Improvements to Hope for Homeowners

The legislative improvements to Hope for Homeowners included in S.896 should significantly improve the ability of borrowers to benefit from the opportunities provided by Hope for Homeowners in the context of the Administration’s housing plan.  On April 28th, the White House announced new details describing how Hope for Homeowners will be strengthened as a part of the Administration’s Making Home Affordable Program.  Incentive payments will be available for successful Hope for Homeowners refinances and loan servicers will be required to evaluate all applicants for eligibility for Hope for Homeowners as well as the Home Affordable Modification Program.

Hope for Homeowners targets help to underwater borrowers, who often face heightened risks of foreclosure, by requiring principal write downs to help homeowners increase the equity they own in their homes.  The legislative modifications to the Hope for Homeowners program included in S.896 will ease restrictions on eligibility and enable refinancing of underwater mortgages for a greater number of borrowers.

Modifications to FHA and federally guaranteed farm loans

Legislative changes to FHA and federally guaranteed farm loans will facilitate cost-neutral loan modifications for federally guaranteed rural housing loans and FHA loans.  These changes will improve the Administration’s ability to provide assistance to responsible borrowers with federally guaranteed rural housing loans and FHA loans as part of the Making Home Affordable Program.

Establishes protections for renters and living in foreclosured homes

One of the often overlooked problems in the foreclosure crisis has been the eviction of renters in good standing, through no fault of their own, from properties in foreclosure.  To address the problem of these tenants being forced out of their homes with little or no notice, this legislation will require that in the event of foreclosure, existing leases for renters are honored, except in the case of month-to-month leases or owner occupants foreclosing in which cases a minimum of 90 days notice will be required.  Parallel protections are put in place for Section 8 tenants.

Establishes right of a homeowner to know who owns their mortgage

Often mortgage loans are sold and transferred a number of times.  Borrowers often have difficulty determining who owns their loan, and who to contact with questions, problems or complaints about their loan.  This legislation requires that borrowers be informed whenever their loan is sold or transferred, so that they will always know who owns their loan.

Making Home Affordable Plan

The Obama Administration has introduced a plan to try to stabilize the housing market called the Making Home Affordable (MHA) Plan. Through this plan, up to an estimated 7 – 9 million American families may be eligible to refinance or modify their loans to a payment that is affordable now and into the future.

Under this plan, there are two programs:

• Home Affordable Refinance Program
• Home Affordable Modification Program

Home Affordable Refinance Program

The Home Affordable Refinance Program gives up to an estimated 4 – 5 million homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac an opportunity to refinance into more affordable monthly payments. 

Many homeowners pay their mortgages on time but are not able to refinance to take advantage of today’s lower mortgage rates perhaps due to a decrease in the value of their home. A Home Affordable Refinance will help borrowers whose loans are held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac refinance into a more affordable mortgage.

Will the Home Affordable Refinance Program help me?

Eligible borrowers who are current on their mortgages but have been unable to take advantage of today’s lower interest rates because their homes have decreased in value may now have the opportunity to refinance. Through the Home Affordable Refinance Program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow the refinancing of mortgage loans that they own or that they placed in mortgage backed securities.

How do I know if I am eligible?

You may be eligible if:

• You are the owner occupant of a 1 – 4 unit home
• The loan on the property is owned or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (If you don’t know, click here)
• At the time you apply, you are current on your mortgage payments (current means that you haven’t been more than 30 days late on your mortgage payment in the last 12 months or if you have had the loans for less than 12 months, you have never missed a payment)
• You believe that the amount you owe on your first mortgage is about the same or slightly less than the current value of your house (You may be eligible if your first mortgage does not exceed 105% of the current market value of your home. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $210,000 or less on your first mortgage, you may be eligible. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance)
• You have income sufficient to support the new mortgage payments, and
• The refinance improves the long term affordability or stability of your loan

You may also take the Eligibility Test to determine if you qualify.

How do I apply for a Home Affordable Refinance?

You should call your mortgage servicer or lender and ask about the Home Affordable Refinance application process. The number is on your monthly mortgage bill or coupon book.

Note: Please be patient. Lenders and servicers are implementing the program now and there might be a slight delay before they are ready to process all applications. In the meantime, it will help your lender and speed up the application process if you gather some information and documents before you call.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST:

• Information about your mortgage such as your monthly mortgage statement and
• Information about the monthly gross (before tax) income of your household, including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
• Your most recent income tax return
• Information about any second mortgage or home equity line of credit on the house
• Account balances and monthly payments on all your other debts such as student loans, car loans, personal loans, etc.

Home Affordable Modification Program

The Home Affordable Modification Program will reduce monthly payments on existing first lien mortgages for up to an estimated 3 - 4 million at-risk homeowners.

Many homeowners are struggling to make their monthly mortgage payments perhaps because their interest rate has increased or they have less income. A Home Affordable Modification will provide them with mortgage payments they can afford.

Will the Home Affordable Modification Program help me?

If you can no longer afford to make your monthly payments, you may qualify for a loan modification to make your monthly payments more affordable. Millions of borrowers who are current, but having difficulty making their payments and borrowers who have missed 1 or more payments may be eligible.

How do I know if I am eligible?

You may be eligible if:

•  Your home must be an owner-occupied primary residence (verified with tax return, credit report, and other documentation such as a utility bill)
• Your home must be a single-family 1 -4 unit property (including condominiums, cooperatives, and manufactured homes affixed to a foundation and treated as real property under state law)
• Your home must not be vacant or condemned
• First lien loans must have an unpaid principal balance (prior to capitalization of arrearages) that is equal to or less than:
• 1 unit properties = $729,750
• 2 unit properties = $934,200
• 3 unit properties = $1,129,250
• 4 unit properties = $1,403,400
• Your mortgage must have originated on or before January 1, 2009
• Have a mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance, home owner’s association dues) that is more than 31% of your gross monthly income (If you are uncertain, click here)
• Have a mortgage payment that is not affordable, perhaps because of a significant change in income or expenses

You may also take the Eligibility Test  to determine if you qualify.

Note: Eligibility requirements are simply government guidelines. Guidelines may change, and lenders make exceptions, if it is in their best interest to do so.  In other words, homeowners should not count themselves out.  If they are having trouble making their house payment, they should explore the loan modification option.  Sometimes, the only way to determine whether you qualify is to apply.

How do I apply for a Home Affordable Modification?

You should call your mortgage servicer or lender and ask about the Home Affordable Modification application process. The number is on your monthly mortgage bill or coupon book.

Note: Please be patient. Lenders and servicers are implementing the program now and there might be a slight delay before they are ready to process all applications. In the meantime, it will help your lender and speed up the application process if you gather some information and documents before you call.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST:

• Information about your gross monthly  (before taxes) income, including recent pay stubs, if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
• Your most recent income tax return
• Information about your savings and other assets
• Information about your first mortgage, such as your monthly mortgage statement
• Information about any second mortgage or home equity line of credit on your house
• Account balances and minimum monthly payments due on all of your credit cards
• Account balances and monthly payments on all your other debts such as student loans, car loans, personal loans, etc.
• A letter describing any circumstances that caused your income to be reduced or expenses to be increased (job loss, divorce, illness, etc.) if applicable

Note: Many lenders have made a committment to delay foreclosure on all loans that meet the minimum eligibility criteria for a home affordable modification

Free Counseling Help

There are two options for free counseling help:

• Contact me via email freezeforeclosure@gmail and we’ll set up a time to talk.
• If you don’t feel comfortable talking to me then another free resource is to contact a HUD-approved housing counselor. They provide the same advice I do. The only difference is who you feel more comfortable working with.

What to expect?

Either the housing counselor or I will talk to you about your situation and help you decide what mortgage options are best for you. We will explain what documents you will need to provide to your mortgage company. We can also help you make a budget so that you can meet your monthly mortgage payment and other expenses. There is no charge to work with either one of us.

Before you call 

Gather the following documents:

• Information about your gross monthly  (before taxes) income, including recent pay stubs, if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
• Your most recent income tax return
• Information about your savings and other assets
• Information about your first mortgage, such as your monthly mortgage statement
• Information about any second mortgage or home equity line of credit on your house
• Account balances and minimum monthly payments due on all of your credit cards
• Account balances and monthly payments on all your other debts such as student loans, car loans, personal loans, etc.
• A letter describing any circumstances that caused your income to be reduced or expenses to be increased (job loss, divorce, illness, etc.) if applicable

Immediate Assistance

If you are delinquent on your loan payments and need immediate assistance, call myself at 571-249-4357 or 888-995-HOPE (4673)

Does Fannie Mae Own Your Mortgage?

The Fannie Mae Loan Lookup enables mortgage borrowers to quickly determine if Fannie Mae owns their loan by providing a street address, city, state, and zip code.

Borrower Beware….in fine print  at the bottom, it states that “Fannie Mae makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee regarding the accuracy or completeness of the results. A search that results in “Match Found” status does not guarantee or imply that you will qualify for a Making Home Affordable refinance or modification. You should contact your mortgage lender to verify these results.”

So what does it matter if Fannie Mae owns your mortgage?

If your mortgage loan is owned by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible for certain refinance or modification options under under President Obama’s Making Home Affordable Plan.

***NOTE: You may also be eligible for modification options even if your loan is not owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.***

The Homeowner Affordability & Stability Plan FAQs

The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is part of the President’s broad, comprehensive strategy to get the economy back on track. The plan is suppose to help up to 7 to 9 million families restructure or refinance their mortgages to avoid foreclosure. In doing so, the plan not only helps responsible homeowners on the verge of defaulting, but prevents neighborhoods and communities from being pulled over the edge too, as defaults and foreclosures contribute to falling home values, failing local businesses, and lost jobs.

More information can be found on the example sheet which will show you what options might be available to you, depending on the circumstances of your mortgage.

Disclaimer: This post is adapted from Treas.gov. We do not own this information. It is made available freely to the public. It is recommended that you consult a professional for loan advice.

Borrowers Who Are Current on Their Mortgage:

What help is available  for borrowers who stay current on their mortgage payments but have seen their homes decrease in value?

Under the Homeowner Affordability & Stability Plan, eligible borrowers who stay current on their mortgages but have been unable to refinance to lower interest rates because their homes have decreased in value, may now have the opportunity to refinance into a 30 or 15-year, fixed rate loan. Through the program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow the refinancing of mortgage loans that they hold in their portfolios or that they placed in mortgage backed securities.

I owe more than my property is worth, do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

Eligible loans will now include those where the first mortgage (including any refinancing costs) will not exceed 105% of the current market value of the property. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $210,000or less you may qualify. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance.

How do I know if I am eligible?

Complete eligibility details will be announced on March 4, 2009 when the program starts. The criteria for eligibility will include having sufficient income to make the new payment and an acceptable mortgage payment history.  The program is limited to loans held or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

I have both a first and second mortgage. Do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

As long as the amount due on the first mortgage is less than 105% of the value of the property, borrowers with more than one mortgage may be eligible to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Your eligibility will depend, in part, on agreement by the lender that has your second mortgage to remain in a second position, and on your ability to meet the new payment terms on the first mortgage.

Will refinancing lower my payments?

The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide creditworthy borrowers who have shown a commitment to paying their mortgage with affordable payments that are sustainable for the life of the loan. Borrowers whose mortgage interest rates are much higher than the current market value should see an immediate reduction in their payments. Borrowers who are paying interest only, or who have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future, may not see their current payment go down if they refinance to a fixed rate. These borrowers, however, could save a great deal over the life of the loan. When you submit a loan application, your lender will give you a “Good Faith Estimate” that includes your new interest rate, mortgage payment, and the amount that you will pay over the life of the loan. Compare this to your current loan terms. If it is not an improvement, a refinancing option may not be right for you.

What are the interest rate and other terms of this refinance offer?

The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide borrowers with a safe loan program with a fixed, affordable payment. All loans refinanced under the plan will have a 30 or 15-year term with a fixed interest rate. The rate will be based on market rates in effect at the time of the refinance and any associated points and fees quoted by the lender. Interest rates may vary across lenders and over time as market rates adjust. The refinanced loans will have no prepayment penalties or balloon notes.

Will refinancing reduce the amount I owe on my loan?

No. The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers refinance into safer, more affordable fixed rate loans. Refinancing will not reduce the amount you owe to the first mortgage holder or any other debt you owe. However, by reducing the interest rate, refinancing should save you money by reducing the amount of interest that you repay over the life of the loan.

How do I know if my loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?

To determine if your loaned is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and is eligible to be refinanced, you should contact your mortgage lender after March 4, 2009.

When can I apply?

Mortgage lenders will begin accepting applications after the details of the program are announced on March 4, 2009.

What should I do in the meantime?

You should gather the information that you will need to provide your lender after March 4, 2009 when the refinance program becomes available. The includes:

• information about the gross monthly income of all borrowers including your most recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
• your most recent income tax return
• information about any second mortgage on the house
• payments on each of your each credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month
• payments on other loans (i.e. student loans, car loans, etc.)

Borrowers Who Are at Risk of Foreclosure:   

What help is available for borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure either because their they are behind on their mortgage or are struggling to make the payments?

The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan offers help to borrowers who are already behind on their mortgage payments or who are struggling to keep their loans current. By providing mortgage lenders with financial incentives o modify existing first mortgages, the Treasury hopes to help as many as 3 to 4 million homeowners avoid foreclosure regardless of who owns or services the mortgage.

Do I need to be behind on my mortgage payments to be eligible for modification?

No. Borrowers who are struggling to stay current on their mortgage payments may be eligible if their income is not sufficient to continue to make their mortgage payments and they are at risk of imminent default. This may be due to several factors, such as loss of income, a significant increase in expenses, or an interest rate that will reset to an unaffordable level.

How do I know if I qualify for payment reduction under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

In general, you may qualify for a mortgage modification if (a) you occupy your house as your primary residence; (b) your monthly mortgage payment is greater than 31% of your monthly gross income;  and (c) your loan is not large enough to exceed current Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits. Final eligibility will be determined by your mortgage lender based on the y0ur financial situation and detailed guidelines that will be available March 4, 2009.

I don’t live in the house that secures the mortgage I’d like to modify. Is this mortgage eligible for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

No. For example, if you own a house that you use as a vacation home or that you rent out to tenants, the mortgage on the house is not eligible. If you used to live in the home but you moved out, the mortgage is not eligible. Only the mortgage on your primary residence is eligible. The mortgage lender will check to see if the dwelling is your primary residence.

I have a mortgage on a duplex. I live in one unit and rent the other. Will I still be eligible?

Yes. Mortgages on 2, 3, and 4 unit properties are eligible as long as you live in one unit as your primary residence.

I have two mortgages. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce the payments on both?

Only the first mortgage is eligible for modification.

I owe more than my house is worth. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce what I owe?

The primary objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers avoid foreclosure by modifying troubled loans to achieve a payment the borrower can afford. Lenders are likely to lower payments mainly by reducing loan interest rates. However, the program offers incentives for principal reductions and, at your lender’s discretion, modifications may include upfront reductions of your loan principal.  

I heard the government was providing a financial incentive to borrowers. Is that true?

Yes. To encourage borrowers who work hard to retain homeownership, the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan provides incentive payments as a borrower makes timely payments on the modified loan. The incentive will accrue on a monthly basis and will be applied directly to reduce your mortgage debt. Borrowers who pay on time for 5 years can have up to $5,000 applied to reduce their debt by the end of that period.

How much will a modification cost me?

There is no cost to borrowers for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. If you wish to get assistance from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or are referred to a counselor as a condition of the modification, you will not be charged a fee.

Is my lender required to modify the loan?

No. Mortgage lenders participate in the program on a voluntary basis and loans are evaluated for modification on a case-by-case basis. But the government is offering substantial incentives and it is expected that most major lenders will participate.

I’m already working with my lender/housing counselor on a loan workout. Can I still be considered for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

Ask your lender or counselor to be considered under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.

How do I apply for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

You may not need to do anything at this time.  Most mortgage lenders will evaluate loans in their portfolio to identify borrowers who may meet the eligibility criteria. After March 4, 2009, they will send letters to potentially eligible homeowners, a process that may take several weeks. If you think you qualify for a modification and do not receive a letter within several weeks, contact your mortgage servicer or a HUD-approved housing counselor. Please be aware that servicers and counseling agencies are expected to receive an extraordinary number of calls about this program.

What should I do in the meantime?

You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender on or after March 4, 2009, when the modification program becomes available. The includes:

• information about your gross monthly income of your household including any recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
• your most recent tax return
• information about any second mortgage on the house
• payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month
• payments on other loans (i.e. student loans, car loans, etc.) 

My loan is scheduled for foreclosure soon. What should I do?

Contact your mortgage servicer or credit counselor. Many mortgage lenders have expressed their intention to postpone foreclosure sales on all mortgages that may qualify for the modification in order to allow sufficient time to evaluate the borrower’s eligibility.  We support this effort.