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Loan Modification Press Release
Bank of America Announces Nationwide Homeownership Retention
Program for Countrywide Customers
Nearly 400,000 Countrywide Borrowers Could Benefit After Program Launches December 1
CALABASAS, CA - Bank of America today announced the creation of a proactive home retention program that will systematically modify troubled mortgages with up to $8.4 billion in interest rate and principal reductions for nearly 400,000 Countrywide Financial Corporation customers nationwide.
The program was developed together with state Attorneys General and is designed to achieve affordable and sustainable mortgage payments for borrowers who financed their homes with subprime loans or pay option adjustable rate mortgages serviced by Countrywide and originated prior to December 31, 2007. Bank of America acquired Countrywide July 1, 2008.
“We are confident that together with the Attorneys General we have developed a comprehensive program that provides more solutions than ever before to assist troubled borrowers and put them back on the path to sustained home ownership,” said Barbara Desoer, president, Bank of America Mortgage, Home Equity and Insurance Services. “Since acquiring Countrywide in July, we have committed significant resources and developed innovative programs to help as many Countrywide customers as possible stay in their homes.”
Countrywide mortgage servicing personnel will be equipped to serve eligible borrowers with new program elements by December 1, 2008 and will then begin proactive outreach to eligible customers. Foreclosure sales will not be initiated or advanced for borrowers likely to qualify until Countrywide has made an affirmative decision on the borrower’s eligibility.
The centerpiece of the program is a proactive loan modification process to provide relief to eligible borrowers who are seriously delinquent or are likely to become seriously delinquent as a result of loan features, such as rate resets or payment recasts.
Various options will be considered for eligible customers to ensure modifications are affordable and sustainable. First-year payments of principal, interest, taxes and insurance will be targeted to equate to 34 percent of the borrower’s income. Modified loans feature limited step-rate interest rate adjustments to ensure annual principal and interest payments increase at levels with minimal risk of payment shock. Modification options include, among others:
- FHA refinancing under the HOPE for Homeowners Program;
- Interest rate reductions, which may be granted automatically through streamlined processing; and
- Principal reductions on Pay Option adjustable rate mortgages that restore lost equity for certain borrowers.
The program applies to eligible mortgage loan customers serviced by Countrywide and who occupy the home as their primary residence. Under the national program, Countrywide will not charge eligible borrowers loan modification fees, and Countrywide will waive prepayment penalties for subprime and pay option ARM loans that it or its affiliates own. Some loan modifications will be subject to compliance with servicing contracts and some will require investor approval.
“Now more than ever homeowners and home buyers are looking to Bank of America as the lender they trust and as a leader that can renew America’s confidence in home ownership,” said Desoer. “Combined with our strong track record in responsible lending and previously announced lending practices commitments, this bold new program makes it clear that Bank of America is committed to be the leader in responsible mortgage lending practices.”
As part of agreements to resolve outstanding claims against Countrywide by certain states, borrowers in participating states will additionally be eligible to access their share of:
- A Foreclosure Relief Program of $150 million on a nationwide basis for payment to eligible Countrywide servicing customers who suffered foreclosure or are currently at serious risk of foreclosure having made only minimal payments since the time their mortgages were originated by Countrywide; and
- An additional program, projected to make payments up to $70 million to support customers with loans serviced by Countrywide who face imminent foreclosure, providing financial assistance with their transition from home ownership.
As part of the state agreements, Countrywide is further committing to eligible borrowers in participating states that it will waive late fees associated with a borrower’s default in finalizing modifications under the program.
In addition, states that have not yet become participants in Bank of America’s program will be provided an opportunity to do so, which would enable their residents to become eligible for these benefits.
“Our program represents principal and interest reductions over time to borrowers on loans Countrywide owns and on loans Countrywide services on behalf of investors,” said Joe Price, Bank of America Chief Financial Officer. “By taking projected foreclosure losses and instead directing those funds into these proactive foreclosure prevention efforts, we create a solution in the best interests of both our customers and the investors whose loans and securities we service. Of the eligible loans, about 12 percent are now held by Bank of America. The cost of restructuring these loans is within the range of losses we estimated when we acquired Countrywide.”
Bank of America is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk-management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving more than 59 million consumer and small business relationships with more than 6,100 retail banking offices, more than 18,500 ATMs and award-winning online banking with more than 25 million active users. Bank of America offers industry leading support to more than 4 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients in more than 150 countries and has relationships with 99 percent of the U.S. Fortune 500 companies and 83 percent of the Fortune Global 500. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Countrywide Customer Contact: Homeownership Retention Program not available until Dec. 1. Countrywide will begin its proactive outreach to eligible borrowers on December 1, 2008.
Homeownership Retention Division: 800.669.6650
General Customer Service: 800.669.6607
Media Contact: Dan Frahm, 800.796.8448
Investor Contact: Kevin Stitt, 704.386.5567, or Lee McEntire, 704.388.6780
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What is the difference between good and bad debt?
You may heard credit specialists on cable and radio speak about “ good debt ” and how it compares to bad debt. You are taught to pay off your bad debts first due to the fact that they normally are tied to high APRs and aren’t backed by an item of value. It’s good to first understand the distinction between good and bad debt when you’re mulling over a debt reduction plan.
All About Good Debt
- What’s Good Debt? A good debt is any debt that will actually raise your assets. The rule to go by is: if obtaining the debt might help you build your assets, then it’s considered a good debt. Good debt will produce a profit for you through an escalation in value or business transactions. Arguably, a good debt may also be a debt that leads to an increased overall quality of life. Also, a debt that’s tax deductible, which means that having it decreases your tax due each year, can most certainly be thought of a good debt.
- Which Accounts are Good Debts The best example of a good debt would be a mortgage debt. Assuming that it’s associated with a home or portion of terrain that’s increasing in price, a house debt produces a cash flow through the equity that’s built up in the house. A further example of good debt would be a student note, since it’s made for an education and could produce higher income. A new business debt might also be considered a good debt if the business becomes profitable and leads to a regular residual salary.
Why Do We Call Certain Debt Bad Debt?
- What’s the Easiest Way to Decide If I’m Dealing With Bad Debt? Simply put, if the debt does not produce added value for you and your personal stock, then it’s bad. A car debt is a bad debt since automobiles decrease in value. The rule to follow is that once you take a new vehicle away from the dealership you leave behind 20 percent in value, and that loss of value carries on right up until the vehicle is paid in full. The most widespread demonstration of bad debt would be those credit card bills. Credit card debt is the most dangerous form of bad debt for three major reasons:
1) it’s not associated with items of value (unless you look at the jacket you got in 1997 an item of value!),
2) it normally is established with an expensive rate, and
3) it’s a rotating debt that can continue for the duration of your life.
How To Eliminate My Bad Debt?
You have many choices if you are searching for a debt solution. Certain individuals look to going bankrupt, which can get rid of your credit card bills but cause you to be denied by potential creditors, jobs, and other companies for up to a decade. A number of debtors set up their own debt reduction plans, and others have found out about the advantages of plans proposed by debt settlement companies. No matter what approach you choose, your bad debt should in every case be the main concern since it is more expensive and actually robs value from your net worth.
What You Need to Know About Debt Settlement Programs
Millions of Americans are currently struggling with bad debt, including credit cards and other unsecured loans. The climate calls for unique debt solutions that can help indebted individuals climb out of sink holes of bad debt quickly and efficiently. One such solution is offered by debt settlement companies. They offer debt relief programs that can reduce your total debt by up to 50% and help you get back on track with your payments if you have fallen behind.
Okay, So How Does it Work Exactly?
Step 1. You will fill out an online debt consolidation questionnaire that gives the debt relief company the information they need to determine how to proceed with your debt negotiation process. The online process saves you the embarrassment and time of having to go back and forth with a human counselor over the phone with a detailed history of your debts and obligations.
Step 2. The debt relief company will then set up a trust account, similar to an escrow account, in your name with a reputable debt relief attorney in your area. From that point forward, you will make your regular debt payments to this trust account.
Step 3. Meanwhile, skilled debt negotiation attorneys will be working on your behalf to come to an agreement with your creditors. Debt settlement companies can reduce your debt by up to 50% off the bat. They will prioritize your debts based on the interest rate (highest first) and whether it is a revolving or installment account.
Step 4. Once your trust account reaches a certain level, the debt relief attorney who is working on your behalf will settle with your first creditor and scratch that debt off of your list. You will continue to pay into your trust account until all of your debts are settled.
Your Requirements and Responsibilities
- You have to stop using your credit card accounts. Your credit card debts will never go away if you continue to use them. You simply cannot succeed with a debt relief program if you plan to keep making charges on those accounts.
- The interest rates on your unsecured debts generally have to be over 10% to qualify for debt settlement programs.
- Continue making your agreed upon monthly payment to your trust account each month in full. The quicker your trust account reaches the balance where a creditor can be paid off, the quicker you will be out of debt.
Important Considerations
Ask Yourself These Questions. When you are looking into debt settlement programs, you have to first ask yourself exactly what you are trying to accomplish.
- Are you looking to reduce your monthly payments?
- Are you trying to get rid of your debt more quickly?
- Are you looking for a debt solution because you have fallen behind and are tired of creditor calls?
It may be a combination of all three, but one of these questions applies to your situation more than the others. When you are truthful with yourself and figure out what your main motivation is for seeking debt reduction strategies, debt settlement companies can design a solution for you that is tailored for your exact situation.
Fees. All of the fees for your participation in a debt relief program are already built into the agreed upon low monthly payment that you and your debt negotiation attorney have decided on. There are no additional costs.
Your Credit Rating. A common question from those who are looking into debt relief programs is “What will happen to my credit report?” When you stop paying your debt payments to your creditors and begin to make your payments to a trust account instead, of course this is going to cause your creditors to raise an eyebrow. You may experience a temporary increase in creditor calls. You will inform them that you are now working with a debt settlement law firm and direct them to the attorney’s office. After your creditors have been duly notified that you are on a debt relief program, most consumer protection laws state that they should no longer be harassing you. Your credit accounts will show as “not current” on your credit report until the accounts are settled in full. The good news is that after a while your credit rating may actually go up after your debts are paid off since your debt percentages will be reduced. Compared to the crippling effect of a bankruptcy on the average consumer’s credit score (10 years of bad credit), working with debt settlement companies is a mostly preferred alternative.
How would it feel to have zero debt again? You may have forgotten what that is like after years, even decades of debt payments. Once you have made the conscious decision that you are no longer going to be enslaved by outrageous balances of unsecured debt, your debt solution is waiting.
Self-Employed and Managing Debt
Tips for Success
Who doesn’t want to be their own boss these days? You set your own hours, make your own business decisions, and best of all, you don’t have to answer to a nagging, demanding manager! While there are numerous benefits to self-employment, there are also downsides, especially when you are struggling with a pile of credit card bills and other forms of bad debt.
The Challenges
A number of challenges can arise when you are self-employed and bogged down with debt. For one, there are work shortages that occur during certain seasons, and a paycheck is never guaranteed, so you are constantly at risk of compromising your financial wellbeing. Additionally, you soon learn that there are costly business expenses that come with owning and operating a successful home business. Since you’re not covered under an employer’s insurance plan, you incur further personal expenses for health, dental, and life insurance coverage. The combination of a lack of consistent income and high expenses can be a formula for disaster for the average self-employed individual who also has a high balance of debt to pay off.
Being self-employed during a time when work dries up can feel more like unemployment. If you find yourself in this situation, you may already be at the point where you are pulling your hair out in frustration. But if you are diligent, you can navigate your way through these challenges without losing your hairline.
So What To Do?
Here are three tips for managing debt when you work for yourself.
1) Start Pulling the Purse Strings, Even During Good Times. You have just been awarded a huge contract that should keep you financially solvent for months to come. Now, after a drought we all know how tempting it is to go out and purchase a brand new television, car accessories, or a new wardrobe. It may sound trite, but when you are lugging a load of debt around with you, it’s much wiser to keep that extra cash in your possession; the retailers can wait! People who have regular jobs know exactly how much they are being paid and on what day, and even have the option to set up automatic debt payments from their paychecks, so they can sometimes splurge knowing that they’ll cover themselves on a future payday. As an entrepreneur you do not have these luxuries, so that is all the more reason be frugal with your spending. During a tough spell you will be able to continue your debt payments seamlessly.
2) Work Closely With Your Creditors. When you hit a rough spot, the worst thing you can do is start ignoring your responsibilities to your creditors. They are more willing to work with you when you keep the line of communication open. Think you might be late one month? Call up your creditor and tell them in advance. Let them know that you are self-employed and may have some challenges in the near future. They may even have some type of payment relief option, such as a payment holiday, or they may be able to move your payment due date if you have a clean payment history. If you have many different creditors, you may want to consider debt relief programs with qualified debt consolidation companies, where all of your debts will be combined and paid from one account. This way, you will reduce the number of calls you need to make each month to one. With a credit card debt settlement plan, your total debt can also be reduced by up to 50%.
3) Double Up Debt Payments During Good Work Seasons. When you have high debt balances, your main goal should be paying it down as quickly as possible. So if you are in a good work season that leaves you with extra income, you might want to use it towards your plan to pay off debt. This way, when you come to a time during the year when your self-employment income is not flowing as easily, you can resume minimum payments if necessary, knowing that you have made those additional debt payments earlier in the year. Continue that cycle every year until your business income becomes more consistent and reliable. Remember: pay off your highest interest rate credit cards first.
Discipline Got You This Far…
The biggest take away here is that you must have discipline to weather a financial storm when you work for yourself. This shouldn’t be a problem; if you’ve made it this far as a successfully self-employed individual, surely you’ll be able to self-regulate yourself through challenging times that may threaten your plans for debt reduction. If you follow the three tips above—be thrifty, even in good seasons, keep your credit card companies on speed dial, consolidate your credit card bills into one debt settlement account with a reputable online debt consolidation company like NetDebt.com, and put any extra income you have towards doubling up on debt payments in good financial times—you should be able to make a substantial dent in your debt, even when your self-employment income is erratic.