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The Obama administration's foreclosure prevention program was launched Wednesday. The multipronged fix calls for companies to help as many 4 million struggling borrowers by modifying loans so housing payments are no more than 31% of monthly gross income. Separately, homeowners who haven't missed a payment can refinance into lower-cost loans even if they have little or no equity. This is expected to help up to 5 million homeowners.
While borrowers are being encouraged to contact their loan servicers, companies said it would be several weeks before they can start processing applications. The $75 billion loan modification plan will provide incentives to borrowers, servicers and mortgage investors. The government will also subsidize interest rate reductions to get borrowers to affordable monthly payments.
"This plan will help make home ownership more affordable for nine million American families and in doing so, help to stop the damaging impact that declining home prices have on all Americans," said Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan.
Borrowers can now contact their servicers to see whether they are eligible for assistance. Federal officials have posted additional information for borrowers to determine their eligibility at www.hud.gov. They will also promote the program at homeownership events nationwide.
The refinancing portion, which is open to homeowners who took out loans from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, allows borrowers with less than 20% equity in their homes to refinance to the current prevailing rate. However, borrowers cannot owe more than 105% of the value of their home and must be current on their payments.
