What is a Modification?

Under this option, you reach an agreement between you and your mortgage company to change the original terms of your mortgage—such as payment amount, length of loan, interest rate, etc. In most cases, when your mortgage is modified, you can reduce your monthly payment to a more affordable amount.

A modification may be an option if:

• – You are ineligible to refinance
• – You are facing a long-term hardship
• – You are several months behind on your mortgage payments or likely to fall behind soon

What are the benefits of a Modification?

• – Resolve your delinquency status with your mortgage company
• – May reduce your monthly mortgage payments to a more affordable amount
• – Change the original terms of your mortgage permanently, giving you a new start
• – Less damaging to your credit score than a foreclosure
• – Stay in your home and avoid foreclosure

How does a Modification work?

A modification involves one or more of the following:

• – Changing the mortgage loan type (e.g., changing an Adjustable Rate Mortgage to a Fixed-Rate Mortgage)
• – Extending the term of the mortgage (e.g., from a 30-year term to a 40-year term)
• – Reducing the interest rate either temporarily or permanently
• – Adding any past-due amounts, such as interest and escrow, to the unpaid principal balance, which is then reamortized over the new term

What Next?

Step 1

Gather your financial information—Make sure you have your basic financial and loan information on hand when you call your mortgage company. You’ll need:

• – Your mortgage statements, including information on a second mortgage, if applicable;
• – Your other monthly debt payments (ex. credit card payments, car or student loans);
• – Your income details (income tax returns and paystubs).

Step 2

Explain your current situation—Be ready to outline your current hardship and explain why you are having trouble making your mortgage payment and if this is a short-term or long-term problem. Your mortgage company will need to understand the reasons why you are having difficulty in order to find the right solution for you.

Step 3

Contact your mortgage company and tell them you are interested in a modification and you want to see if you are eligible.