Quick Answer: Free mortgage modification involves working directly with lenders using no-cost online tools and proper documentation, avoiding companies that charge upfront fees. The FTC’s MARS rule prohibits mortgage relief companies from collecting fees until they secure a written offer from the lender that the homeowner accepts.
I’ve seen and covered so many mortgage modification scams that I wanted to show you how you can save yourself from being scammed, save thousands and modify your mortgage for free.
Before you launch into paying anyone thousands for mortgage modification assistance you should explore your free options first.
It’s important to know there is no law that requires any lender to modify any mortgage, so a successful modification is going to be an exercise in putting the right documentation forward to your mortgage servicer, and patience. Lot’s of patience.
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You also need to be familiar with the MARS rule. It’s not a rule about space. It actually stands for the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services rule.
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The most significant consumer protection under the FTC’s MARS rule is the advance fee ban. Under this provision, mortgage relief companies may not collect any fees until they have provided consumers with a written offer from their lender or servicer that the consumer decides is acceptable, and a written document from the lender or servicer describing the key changes to the mortgage that would result if the consumer accepts the offer. The companies also must remind consumers of their right to reject the offer without any charge.
Let’s start with the free online tools that are available to you.
Dealing With Debt? Understanding your options is the first step. See how all your debt relief options compare — including ones most sites won’t tell you about. The Find Your Path quiz gives a recommendation based on your actual numbers, and the Scam-O-Meter checks any company’s complaint history before you sign. Federal Reserve research shows bankruptcy filers recover faster than those who don’t file.
I have been meeting with homeowners that have the similar problems. I am going to start forwarding this article! Thank You!
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