Phoenix Urban Living News. Real Estate In Phoenix Arizona

Loan Modification Services Offer Foreclosure Relief

So what happened to the foreclosure relief for millions that was supposed to result from the 75 billion dollar bailout that was handed to the banks back in February? It’s about time for a progress report on how well the government has fulfilled their promises regarding the stimulus package.

Only about 1,700 homeowners have succeeded in getting permanent loan modifications through the program since it began in February. According to the banks, people are not turning in their forms so they cannot process the applications. If I was losing my home, I’m sure I would find time to fill out some paperwork to try to save it. That must be one huge stack of forms.

There are around 375,000 people who should qualify for the loan modifications but over 60%, or 225,000, of them have not turned in their paperwork or have turned in only part of the paperwork. But are the people who did turn in their forms doing any better? It sure doesn’t look like it.

If over 225,000 people didn’t complete their forms, there were a bit fewer than 150,000 who did. About 50,000 of the people who completed their applications have not heard anything yet. Of the 100,000 who have, roughly 1. 7% actually got permanent modifications to their loans. That’s a pretty pathetic figure.

In order to try to get more banks to approve modifications, the government has decided to put on their bullying hat. Treasury Department SWAT teams are scheduled to be making visits to lenders next week so they can determine which banks are not making enough loan modifications. Then they will publish a list for everyone to see. I bet the banks’ officers are shaking in their boots over that.

If you’re counting on Obama’s foreclosure relief to save your home, it’s probably best to start looking for a loan modification attorney to help you. Participation in the foreclosure relief program was never made mandatory as a condition for taking the bailout money. It’s too bad the banks haven’t been more cooperative, but it really isn’t all that surprising. After all, they’re out to make money, not deals.