Tag Archives: payments
Filing for bankruptcy can be the first step to restoring your credit
So, a Fresno bankruptcy can actually start you on the way to good credit? This is a critical question to ask your Fresno Bankruptcy Attorney. First of all, you need to understand that the old adage: “the bigger they are – the harder they fall.” Comes into play here.
If your credit is in the 700’s or higher. It is true that your credit is going to take a significant drop after filing for bankruptcy. However, most people that file bankruptcy have been struggling to keep up their payments for a long time. So their credit is already in the 500’s or so.
The way credit companies rate your credit has to do with the high balances you carry on your credit cards and how many slow pays that show up on your credit report. Once you file for bankruptcy, the balances are wiped to zero and the credit companies can no longer report any late payments.
So your credit slate has been wiped clean. Typically a person will see a big drop in their credit for a short time, but as you start to make smart financial decisions your credit will begin to grow. Your late payments no longer appear and you don’t show high balances.
People often receive an offer for a credit card within 6 to 9 months of filing for bankruptcy. Of course the rates are very high. If you choose to to accept a credit card, be careful! Only use the credit card for gas and incidentals and pay it off every month.
After a year or so, you’ll be able to purchase a car on credit. But don’t run out and purchase the car of your dreams. Look at that car as a credit tool. Buy a car that represents very affordable monthly payments that you can pay off in three years. Remember, this car is not your dream car. It’s a car to get you back into the American Dream. It will help you re-establish credit.
In conclusion, people often ask if bankruptcy will ruin their credit. The true fact is, most people already have bad credit and the quickest way to start a new credit life is through a thoughtful bankruptcy.
Obviously, each person needs to make the decision to declare bankruptcy with caution and with sound legal advise. We suggest you contact a Bankruptcy Attorney in Fresno to explore all of your options.
You can contact the Winter Law Group at
Loan Modification & foreclosure scams
Colorado Foreclosures Frequently Asked Questions
It is understandable to have questions when coping with a new and challenging situation, especially when a home is at stake. The reality is that millions of homeowners across the country are finding out that they have more questions than answers. We hope that the following information will help you better understand the circumstances. If you have further questions not addressed below, or would like additional information resources, feel free to Contact Us.
Do I qualify for a short sale?
The qualifications for a short sale include any or all of the following:
1. Financial Hardship – There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
2. Monthly Income Shortfall – In other words: “You have more month than money.” A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
3. Insolvency – The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.
What is a mortgage modification?
A mortgage modification is a process through which your mortgage lender changes any or all of the following:
* Your interest rate
* Your principal balance (through a reduction)
* Your loan terms (example: from an adjustable to a fixed rate)
This process can allow borrowers to stay in their property when they can no longer afford their current mortgage payments.
Why would a lender modify my mortgage?
Lenders have realized that in some cases it is better for them to work with current borrowers to lower payments or possibly improve terms in order to keep homeowners in their properties. The average foreclosure can cost a lender from 35-50% of the value of a property, so keeping borrowers in their homes is a good option for everyone.
What do I need to qualify for a mortgage modification?
According to the Making Home Affordable Web site (www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov), you will need the following information for your lender to consider a modification:
* Information about your first mortgage, such as your monthly mortgage statement
* Information about any second mortgage or home equity line of credit on the house
* Account balances and minimum monthly payments due on all of your credit cards
* Account balances and monthly payments on all your other debts such as student loans and car loans
* Your most recent income tax return
* Information about your savings and other assets
* Information about the monthly gross (before tax) income of your household, including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
If applicable, it may also be helpful to have a letter describing any circumstances that caused your income to reduce or expenses to increase (job loss, divorce, illness, etc.)
How do I qualify for a mortgage modification?
The first call you make should be to your lender, have the information above ready to discuss with them and call your customer service line to ask them what options you have available. If the person you speak with does not understand what you are asking, you can ask to be referred to one of the following departments (different lenders have different names for these departments):
* Loss Mitigation
* Mortgage Modification
* H.O.P.E.
Prior to contacting your mortgage lender you can quickly complete an eligibility test at www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov. This test will let you know if you are eligible for a modification through the government-sponsored Home Affordability and Stability Program (HASP). For a list of mortgage lenders and servicers, visit www.HopeNow.com.
What if I don’t qualify for a mortgage modification, can’t afford my home, and owe more than it’s worth?
You are not alone and foreclosure is not the only option. If your mortgage lender or servicer will not work with you to reduce your payment, you may want to consider a short sale. Agents like me, with the Certified Distressed Property Expert® Designation, have undergone extensive training in how to process and negotiate short sales. A short sale allows you to sell your home for less than what you owe and avoid foreclosure. Speak to your market expert to see if you may qualify.
What is a Home Affordable Refinance?
If Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns your mortgage, you may be eligible for a Home Affordable Refinance. This will allow you to refinance your home and often lower your payments.
What are the qualifications for a Home Affordable Refinance?
According to the resources released by the government, following are a list of qualifications:
* You are the owner occupant of a one- to four-unit home
* The loan on your property is owned or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (see Useful Links)
* At the time you apply, you are current on your mortgage payments (you haven’t been more than 30 days late on your mortgage payment in the last 12 months, or if you have had the loan for less than 12 months, you have never missed a payment)
* You believe that the amount you owe on your first mortgage is about the same or slightly less than the current value of your house
* You have income sufficient to support the new mortgage payments, and the refinance improves the long-term affordability or stability of your loan