Loan modification companies assess borrowers’ ability to pay through analysis of wage statements, investment accounts, bank accounts and tax returns, among other data. They then make proposals to the lending institutions for restructuring of mortgage terms in a fashion that will enhance the likelihood of repayment.

Loan modification companies can be engaged by borrowers to negotiate on their behalf. They also can be hired by lenders to help salvage troubled loans. A given loan modification company may rely primarily on one or the other sources of clients, or both.

Lenders have an interest in offering concessions to troubled borrowers because the costs of foreclosure are high. Among other things, borrowers do not want to take possession of illiquid real estate, especially in falling markets.

Billing

Loan modification companies’ fees may be billed either to the borrower or to the lender. If the company is engaged by the borrower, the borrower may be assessed the fee, sometimes up front and without guarantees of results. In other cases, even if the borrower engages the company’s services, the lender may be charged the fee, in the case of a successful renegotiation.

Results

If the request for a loan modification is rejected, you may want to try it again in a couple months. Some lenders do not document the loan modification attempt you make. They are often motivated by changes in the housing market and their intent changes as more and more loans go into default. It does not hurt to try again. It is smart to work with a loan modification specialist, a seasoned loan officer or an attorney who specializes in real estate, mortgage lending and loan modifications. They understand how to speak to loss mitigation department, personnel and can get a general idea of the mood and trends of your lenders loss mitigation department.

A loan adjustment that is required by a Relief Act or a decision or order of a court is not subject to any limitations on modification provided in this Subsection 5.3(4)(Please Review link provided)and may be entered into without regard to whether the Mortgage Loan is in payment default.