Information About Mortgage Modification and Credit

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READER QUESTION

How does a payment plan with a mortgage company reflect on my credit?

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Bills.com Resident Expert
Dec 12, 2011
BILL'S ANSWER

The potential credit impact, if any, depends on whether the reduction is temporary or permanent, is made by reducing interest or principle, and other factors. That said, if modifying enables you to continue your perfect payment record (and your house!), then mortgage modification will be a much better option for maintaining your credit compared to the credit damage caused by missed payments and foreclosure. Just be sure to read and understand your new terms so you're not surprised by hidden fees, penalties, balloon payments, or other things down the road. After all, you don't want to be just "jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire."

I also encourage you to check out the options that will be available come March 4th through the government's new "Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan." The offer you have been given may be the best one possible for your situation, but it won't hurt to read about the major changes being introduced March 4th by this plan. Generally speaking, it will increase the options for many distressed homeowners. I can't say whether any of them will beat what your mortgage provider has offered, but at the very least, it should help you better understand some of the major changes happening regarding mortgage restructuring. For Q&A regarding many commonly asked questions regarding the "Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan" visit this link.

Free official summaries, fact sheets, and other publications and resources regarding the "Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan" are available for free viewing and downloading at: www.financialstability.gov.

I wish you continued success with your perfect payment history and hope that the information I have provided helps you Find. Learn. Save.

Best,

Bill

www.bills.com/

Comments (3)


Avatar
Nithin .
April 20, 2009
I doubt that you can qualify considering that you have outstanding debt and a low credit score. Could be possible if you have a large amount of equity in your home.
Avatar
Dee .
April 20, 2009
My credit score is low and I am behind in my bills. I have a mortgage and wants to get out of debt. Can I qualify for a second mortgage, with a low credit score.
Avatar
Beachdude .
April 06, 2009
The most common mortgage modifications are listed below: lowering the mortgage interest rate reducing the mortgage principal balance fixing adjustable interest rates within the mortgage increasing the loan term throughout the mortgage forgiveness of payment defaults and fees or any combination of the above.
Thanks for your feedback!

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