"Potential foreclosures are being built up in the system, said Tom Miller, Iowa's attorney general. "The efforts really need to be more efficient more effective more timely on behalf of the servicers."
Under the administration's program, eligible borrowers can see their monthly mortgage payments reduced to no more than 31% of pre-tax income. So far, the effort has helped about 66,500 people, with another 787,200 homeowners in trial modifications.
Reduce loan principal: State officials say that servicers should cut the loan balances of homeowners, in addition to reducing interest rates and extending the terms of the loan. This is especially true in places where property values have plummeted. Reducing principal will make it less likely that homeowners will default on their modified loans.
Pay attention to option ARMs: More than 40% of these complex mortgages are delinquent. Even worse, over the next two years, many will adjust, driving up borrowers' monthly payments. Servicers need to address these loans before they fall into foreclosure.
Limit required paperwork: Many homeowners are not receiving permanent modifications under the president's plan because they haven't submitted all their documents. Treasury Department officials should reduce the amount of paperwork borrowers are required to file and speed up the debut of a central portal where homeowners can submit the forms. The portal is currently set to launch at the end of March.
Expand counseling and mediation efforts: State should expand their housing counseling and mediation programs, which require homeowners and servicers to meet before the completion of the foreclosure process.
Suspend foreclosure proceedings: Treasury officials should amend the president's program so that the entire foreclosure process is halted when a borrower applies for the president's program. Currently, only the sale is stopped.
Help the unemployed: Treasury officials and servicers should do more to assist the unemployed so they do not fall into foreclosure. A growing number of borrowers with good credit backgrounds are behind in their payments because of the weak economy.
Mortgage plan fails to live up to goals450,000 at risk in foreclosure-prevention program
