Homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgage and are considering applying for a loan modification to save their home from foreclosure should be aware that how you talk to your bank will make a huge difference in the final outcome of your application.

Mortgage lenders do put a lot of emphasis on the interaction they have with their borrowers. Homeowners often end up thinking that simply sending all the required documents and submitting the application is all they can do. The fact is you need to do much more if you are serious about saving your home. You need to engage your mortgage lender in a way where they will not only know about your situation but also try to expedite your application approval sooner than the timeframe they give you.

The first aspect of engaging your mortgage lender is writing a good hardship letter. You need to put in a fair amount of thought in writing this as it is the hardship letter which will inform your bank why they must consider you for a loan modification. It tells your bank about your financial situation and why it is getting tougher for you to meet your mortgage requirements. A good hardship letter can capture your bank’s attention and allow your application to progress further.

Just be careful not to go overboard on your hardship letter. The letter should not sound so extreme that your lender will feel you won’t be able to meet even the modified mortgage payment if they approve your application.

The next step would be to complete your financial worksheet. This is the single biggest reason homeowners get denied or approved for a loan modification. You don’t want to go overboard listing so many expenses and being so negative at the end of the month that even a loan modification won’t help you save your home or get you out of your financial hole. You want to give the minimum payments you are paying on credit cards along with the exact car payment and current mortgage payment. For example, when it comes to expenses like your grocery bill or gasoline bill there is a little more flexibility with those numbers since your credit report does not report on these areas.

Once you have submitted your loan modification application, it is absolutely essential you follow up regularly with your bank or mortgage lender. Remember, they are talking to thousands of homeowners each day and your file could end up at the back of the pack if you do not follow up at least once a week. You need to make sure your case stays active and you are moving up the line to get your loan reviewed. Follow up in regular intervals and be courteous, each time politely inquiring if they need any information or documentation to expedite the review process.

If you are not sure about how to talk to your bank or you feel you need some assistance for your specific situation, try researching on the internet or get a guide which would not only provide you with step by step instructions on how to modify your mortgage but also give you essential tips on how to talk to your mortgage lender.