Here’s what you need to know about loan modifications, how they work, and whether or not they might be a good option for you.
What is a loan modification?
A loan modification is a change to the terms of your mortgage loan. This could include changing the interest rate, the length of the loan, or the monthly payment amount.
Loan modifications are usually done in order to make the payments more affordable for the borrower. This typically takes place if the borrower’s credit score or income goes up.
Sometimes this term is mixed up as refinancing, but since you are modifying the current loan without taking out a new loan, it is processed and used differently.
How does a loan modification work?
In order to get a loan modification, you’ll need to contact your lender and request one. You’ll then need to provide documentation of your current financial situation, including income and expenses.
Once your lender reviews your information, they’ll let you know if you’re eligible for a loan modification. If you are, they’ll work with you to modify the terms of your loan so that it’s more affordable for you.
Banks may be open to modifying your loan since they recognize that alternatively, you can refinance with a different lender, and thus they may lose out on some of the profit they’d get by modifying your loan.
Is a loan modification right for me?
A loan modification might be a good option for you if you’re struggling to make your mortgage payments due to a slight shortfall in your budget.
For example, by extending the loan terms, you could have lower monthly payments. It can help you avoid foreclosure and keep your home, but its success relies on you being able to make the new, lower payments.
If your financial situation has changed significantly or you’re already behind on your mortgage payments, a loan modification might not be the best option for you. Mortgage lenders customarily have fees attached to this type of contract change to cover their administrative costs and you’ll want to factor this into your consideration.
If you’re considering a loan modification, keep in mind that it will likely have an impact on your credit score. It’s also important to remember that a loan modification is not a guarantee that you’ll be able to keep your home.
If you can’t make the modified payments, you may still face foreclosure. This is an important time to be brutally honest with yourself about your current financial situation and your ability to make all payments on time going forward.
other related articles of interest:
5 Tips to Avoid Foreclosure After You Lost Your Job
What are the Benefits of Extra Repayments Towards Your Mortgage?
Is a loan modification the same as refinancing?
No, a loan modification is not the same as refinancing. Refinancing means taking out a new loan to replace your existing one. This could have different terms, including a different interest rate or monthly payment amount.
With a loan modification, you’re still using your existing loan, but the terms are being changed to better fit your current budget
Making the decision to pursue a loan modification is a big one. It’s important to do your research and seek financial guidance on your entire financial picture before making any decisions.
But if you’re struggling to make your mortgage payments, a loan modification could be the right choice for you and by all means, you shouldn’t delay checking into it further.
Image Credit: what is a loan modification by twenty20.com
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