Nationwide foreclosure rates increased 5% from last month and 25% from this same time last year. Nevada, Arizona, and Florida had the highest rates of foreclosure. Even though California was ranked fourth in foreclosures in October, the rate of foreclosures was actually down due in part to the most recent law mandating that lenders contact borrowers 30 days before filing a notice of default. In addition, some lenders are postponing foreclosures and others are voluntarily offering loan modifications to homeowners. Read the Inman News article by clicking here.

So what should you do if you are having trouble paying your mortgage? First, contact your lender and try to work out a modification of the interest rate or the term of your loan. Many lenders are more willing to work with homeowners because they understand that a foreclosure is much more costly to them than a loan modification.

However, remember that lenders are still working in their best interest.

If you are unable to negotiate a workout with your lender, or the workout is not satisfactory to you, contact us. We have partnered with the Mortgage Modification Center in Stockton. They are experts at negotiating with banks and lenders on the home owner’s behalf. With over 30 years in the mortgage business and a 90% success rate modifying loans, they will deal with your lender so you don’t have to. They have your best interest in mind and will work diligently to get you a modification that works for your situation.

Don’t wait for your lender to contact you. Reach out to them - or to us. We’re here to answer your questions and help you make the best decision for you and your family.

Federal housing officials have compiled a list of lenders participating in the HOPE for Homeowners program, which they say could help as many as 400,000 homeowners avoid foreclosure by refinancing problem loans into new 30-year fixed-rate mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

When released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Thursday, the list of participating lenders totaled 67 businesses. But HUD said the list will be updated as new lenders enroll in the HOPE for Homeowners program, which kicked off Oct. 1.

Borrowers who hope to refinance into an FHA-guaranteed loan under the HOPE for Homeowners program need the cooperation of their existing lender or loan servicer, as the program will only provide loans equal to 90 percent of a home’s current appraised value.

The holder of the existing mortgage may choose to foreclose on a troubled borrower or offer them a workout or loan modification rather than accept the losses associated with declining property values, HUD acknowledges.

When contacting any of the HOPE for Homeowners lenders on the list, borrowers “are strongly encouraged to contact your servicing lender and any subordinate lien holders since their participation is vital for you to refinance into a HOPE for Homeowners mortgage,” HUD advised. (Source: Inman News)