Mortgage Professionals Helping Borrowers in Trouble

With the rise in forclosures, drop in home values, and adjustable rate mortages adjusting upwards, many consumers are finding themselves in trouble. As one of the moderators on the mortgage forum, I am finding lots of people asking for help and advice lately. Some people have found themselves in over their heads, and some even feel they were mislead into making false statements about their income or otherwise getting into mortgages they should not have taken.

The number of inquiries consumers are making is up according to one of our moderators who is also a moderator. He says there are several key questions that the consumer must consider with their loan officer:

1. Is this a purchase or a refinance?
2. If the loan is a purchase, how much are you planning and/or able to put down? (5%, 10%, etc) 
3. If a refinance, what percentage of your value is your 'to be' loan balance? (e.g. Appraised Value 100,000, Loan Amount 60,000. = $60,000 divided by $100,000 = 60%.)
4. If you know, what are your three credit scores? (For both parties if more than one person is involved.) Do you have any judgements, bankruptcies, foreclosures, collections, back child support or tax liens? (current or satisfied) and on the BK and FC how long ago were they resolved?
5. How much is your combined gross income? Do you have any additional income (Child Support, Soc Security, Pension, Disability, Dividends, etc.)
6. How do you receive your income? Are you paid a wage/salary or are you commission? Do you own your own business? How long have you been at your current job/line of work?
7. How much do you pay monthly in credit payments? (Credit Cards, Installment loans, student loans, etc.)
8. After the loan transaction is completed, will you have money left over in the bank? (Reserves.)

By considering these questions, it will make it much easier for the consumer and loan officer to find the best solution, and be more likely to bring about a better outcome. If you have any question about mortgages, please feel free to drop by the mortgage forum anytime, and ask your question.