Loss mitigation is a tool that lenders have used for decades, with exponential growth since late 2006.  This was a result of the huge increase in foreclosures across the US.  While previously only a small department within the financial system, loss mitigation grew as a result of the near collapse of the mortgage industry due...Read More

One of the strengths of mediation is that there isn’t a one size fits all solution to the foreclosure crisis in America today.  Many commentators have suggested that all foreclosure mediation programs should deliver for vigorous outreach to borrowers.  This could result in much higher rates of participation than in programs with limited outreach.  Also, many lawyers...Read More

One of the basic principles of tax laws is if you owe a debt to someone else and they forgive that debt, the forgiven amount may be taxable.  As a result of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, the statisticall or texty few homeowners who have had mortgage debt forgiven may not owe...Read More

Mortgage modification is the changing of a loan; the terms of a mortgage are modified outside of the original terms of the agreement between the borrower and lender.  Homeowners that simply cannot afford their mortgage payments can try to improve their deal with their lender.  The process is incredibly complicated with concessions offered usually only...Read More

Mortgage insurance is something that many homeowners pay for, yet many homebuyers try to avoid paying for.  What is mortgage insurance and why is it a requirement of Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loans?  You may be wondering, “What is mortgage insurance and why do I have to pay for it?” Conventional mortgages have private mortgage...Read More

While bankruptcy can be stressful and frustrating, it is meant to help you in the long run.  Because of this, it is not impossible to refinance your mortgage after bankruptcy.  Depending on what type of bankruptcy you file for, you should be able to refinance fairly soon after your bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcy generally ends...Read More

A sure-fire way to get into debt quickly is to start accumulating interest on some type of balance. Whether you’re dealing with a student loan, a mortgage, or a credit card, interest is the kiss of death for those trying to get out of debt and stay out of debt. It can be very difficult...Read More

As a result of the foreclosure crisis, renters and tenants are now also being affected in addition to homeowners.  An owner previously had occupied the average foreclosed home, but speculators who were interested in rent could have possibly owned it.  These owners were stuck between falling housing values and rising mortgage interest rates.  By a...Read More

Filing for bankruptcy is a big life decision. As such, you shouldn’t rush into it. Since filing for bankruptcy is not always the best option, it is important to take the following alternatives into consideration before deciding to file for bankruptcy. Negotiation Believe it or not, creditors are often willing to negotiate with you to settle...Read More

If you’re thinking about filing for bankruptcy, you might not be sure of which debts are dischargeable in bankruptcy and which are not. One type of bankruptcy that most people think is not dischargeable in bankruptcy is back rent. However, this rent can actually be discharged as unsecured debt. If you are behind on your...Read More