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FACT SHEET: U.S. Treasury Department Office of Public Affairs releases Examples of How the Economic Growth Act of 2008 will Benefit Americans
See how the stimulus package will impact you...
From the Desk of Tom Carmody
Chairman of AHAA
“Housing Hits Trifecta of Bad News”
I certainly am aware that we are the midst of the worst housing situation in America since the early ‘90s, and one that may be the worst since the depression era. USA Today highlighted the problems on the front page of its Money section: high foreclosure rates, falling prices and vacant homes. Miami leads the way in falling prices, Nevada in foreclosures and vacant homes for sale across the nation are 800,000 than would be the case in a normal market. Most every market has suffered, and will continue to do so it seems.
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Introducing AHAA's most recent feature:
Practical information and advice for homeowners! Learn more...
Legislative Action Center
Congress set to modernize FHA
Congress holds the key to helping hundreds of thousands of homebuyers.
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Home Retention Program Checklist
The Goal
The goal of our 4 Phase Home Retention Program is to help homeowners keep their homes. We do this by providing homeownership counseling NOT monetary relief. When mortgage payments are missed, we can help homeowners explore foreclosure alternatives and reinstatement options. Through education and preparation, you can feel confident when you approach your mortgage company about loan workout options.
The Checklist
Phase 1: What can you afford?
- Complete Interactive Budget Sheet prior to contact a counselor
- Prioritize Debts (Food, utilities and shelter come first)
- Eliminate non-essential expenses if necessary (dining out, special TV packages, etc.)
- Refer to a nonprofit consumer credit counseling agency to restructure credit payments and possibly lower monthly bills (optional)
Phase 2: Loan Workout Solutions
These options are explored only when you are unable to make mortgage payments. We can make a recommendation, however, only your lender can make the final determination as to which option can be used in your situation.
*Special Considerations: Disaster Relief/ Active Military (optional)
If your property was damaged by a natural disaster, or if the principal mortgagor was called up for active duty, there may be additional options. Please contact your lender.
Resources: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/econ/econ.cfm#5
Phase 3: Watch out for Predatory Lending Schemes
Phase 4: Contact Your Lender
Now, you’re prepared to take the necessary steps to fix your situation. Your lender will want to review your financial situation to see if you can still afford your home. The monthly budget sheet that we filled out earlier may come in handy now. Your lender may send you a loss mitigation package for you to complete. Please follow their instructions to a “T.”
Do NOT ignore communication attempts from your lender. Do NOT vacate your property. If you abandon your home, you may not be eligible for loan workout options. If you have recently been laid off from your place of employment or had any event that will cause sudden reduction of income that will directly affect your ability to pay your mortgage, you should contact your lender immediately. Call and write to your lender's Loss Mitigation Department and explain your situation.
You will need the following information before you contact your lender:
- Your loan account number (found on your billing statement or payment coupon)
- Explanation of circumstances
- Recent income documents (pay stubs, benefit statements from social security, disability, unemployment, retirement or public assistance and your tax returns or Profit and Loss statement)
- List of household expenses (refer to your completed budget)
- Check your monthly billing statement or payment coupon book and locate contact information for your lender.
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