Could Loan Modification Ruin My Credit Rating?

Loan modification may not have an adverse effect onIf you are facing a temporary loss of income, you can
your credit, but missing out on your mortgage loanseek a special forbearance. The lender will create a
payments definitely will. You must do everything yourevised repayment plan, which will involve temporarily
can to stop foreclosure, because it will harm yourreducing or cancelling your monthly payments.
credit record for a long time.However, you will have to make higher monthly
The effect of loan modifications on your credit ratingpayments when the payment resume.
will depend on what is negotiated and how the lenderUsually, the principal is not reduced in a voluntary loan
reports your situation to the credit bureaus.modification, as is done in a bankruptcy. This greatly
Mortgage loan modification involves changing theincreases the risk of another default for those who
terms of a mortgage loan to make the monthlyare 'underwater' or owe more on their mortgages than
payments more affordable. This can helpwhat their homes are worth. They will have no equity
homeowners who are not being able to repay theirto fall back on if they face financial problems.
loans to avoid foreclosure.It is much easier to qualify for home loan modification if
Loan modification may involve a lower interest rate,you have a steady income and your lender feels that
longer loan term, different type of mortgage loan, or allyou will be able to afford the lower monthly payments.
three.If you feel that you will not be able to keep up with the
If you are not being able to keep up with your homelower payments after a loan modification, or are too
loan payments, you need to discuss your problemsfar underwater, you can consider making a short sale.
with your lender as soon as possible. NotThis requires selling a dwelling for an amount that is
acknowledging letters from your lender will make itless than the loan balance. The lender agrees to
more difficult for you to stop foreclosure.accept a reduced payoff and forgives the rest.
You ought to discuss modification of loan with yourSeek the advice of a professional housing counselor,
lender as soon as you find that you cannot keep upattorney, or trustworthy real estate professional.
with the payments. You can do this even if youWeigh your options and decide on a course of action
haven't missed any payments at all.that will minimize damages to your credit record.