You really want to know?  Well, you better allow a few months for the market to “catch on” to the concept….

In essence, the Obama administration has published a plan which should apply to 75% of the mortgages in the country. The “Make Home Affordable” initiative is designed to assist the homeowner who is delinquent in payments, and cannot afford 100% of his normal payment, based on current household income.

In theory, the monthly mortgage payment is adjusted downward for 5 years.  The hope is to save homeownership, a stable tax base, cash flow to the lender, and neighborhood values.  There are many obvious advantages for all.

But most lenders don’t understand the details.  In 5 recent foreclosures where I have represented the homeowner who is trying to keep his home, lenders didn’t know program specifics (nor did their attorneys).  Their approach was the basic “we win, you lose;  see you at the foreclosure sale”.

I have had to continue hearings while giving the lender personnel time to research what they are legally obliged to do:  offer loan payment modifications for a 5 year term, if the homeowner does not have the money to make the contractual payment.

Stay tuned for further developments………