Consulting Is Awesome — And You Can Do It, Too

Posted on: 3 November 2022

An income loss or reduction could prompt you to seek a loan modification. Many lenders offer a modification, based upon either a consumer's request or an automatic late payment detection method.

Why Seek A Modification?

Owing a loan and paying it back as outlined in the original Terms Of Service (TOS) is a borrower's responsibility. A lender will typically require a consumer to alert them to any changes in their circumstances. This includes reporting address or wage changes. The loss of a job or the reduction in pay that someone receives will likely have a direct bearing on whether or not a consumer can make their loan payments as initially promised.

Seeking a modification provides instant relief. If someone borrowed money to purchase a home, for instance, acquiring a loan modification will halt the foreclosure process and give a borrower a chance to modify the manner in which they pay back the principal and interest that they owe. Since lenders report to the major credit bureaus, seeking a modification is much better than avoiding the repayment of one. Avoiding a modification and failing to pay as promised could have a negative impact on a borrower's credit score.

How Does Someone Initiate A Modification?

Initiating a modification will require that a borrower contacts their lender. Lenders have forms that are specifically designated for applying for a modification. A lender may also send out a letter that offers a modification. Some lenders have a certain timeframe in which a consumer can fall behind on payments. Once they meet this threshold, a letter may be computer-generated. The letter will provide details about how a loan modification process works and the steps that an individual must take to receive one.

Usually, a consumer will need to provide proof that they cannot make their payments as promised. Recent pay stubs can prove that an individual's earnings are not the same as they were when they initially took out a loan. A lender may also require some other financial information, including copies of recent bills.

The relief that an individual receives will be based on their unique circumstances and the guidelines that a lender has imposed. Some of the loan principal may be deferred or there may be a reduction in the interest amount or the monthly payments that a borrower will need to pay. A lender can explain all of the details associated with loan modification.