Mortgage Modification-banks Finally Share Their Qualifying Guidelines

Until just a few months ago, most people did not know what formula was used to qualify homeowners for a loan modification. However, recently as the popularity of modifications has increased, we are beginning to see pattern of how and why loan modifications are approved. It all boils down to the DTI (debt to income) ratio. The DTI is the ratio of the homeowners income divided by their monthly obligations.

The magic number is somewhere between 31%-40%. Basically, for a loan modification to be successful, your bank will be comparing your monthly income against your expenses. Keep in mind that your income is represented as gross, not net. If you can demonstrate that at the least 1/3 of your gross monthly income is used for a living expenses (including your housing payment), you are on your way to a successful loan modification.

To calculate this formula, your bank will require you to complete a monthly budget. Here you must itemize your expenditures each month. The entries will include food, gas, utilities, credit card payments, medical expenses, etc. Also, you will be required to provide tax returns and recent pay stubs to prove your income. You can experiment with the numbers on your own before you submit them to get an idea of your potential eligibility.

A few words of caution with regards to qualifying for this process. Avoid the common mistake of overestimating your expenses in an effort to try and get the bank to reduce your payment. Although it might appear to make sense, it will not work. If your DTI ratio is too high, the bank will simply deny your modification. The reason for this is because, in some cases, the bank might feel that even if they reduce your payment it might not be enough to solve the problem and they are only delaying the inevitable, which is foreclosure.

You have many other options and some versatility when preparing your financial analysis and constructing your DTI ratio. Many times if your qualifying ratio is too high, you can offer the bank a notarized letter from a family member who will offer financial support. This can dramatically improve your qualification if your income is too low. Remember to ask these questions in the very beginning of the process. There are several additional options to help keep the DTI within proper range and increase the odds of your approval.

In addition, your bank will need some other information from you. One thing will be the hardship letter which will explain the events leading up to your modification request. Was it the loss of your job? Was it a reduction in income? Maybe you have some unexpected medical bills? Basically, you need to explain why you were able to pay the mortgage before and why you are struggling now.

Naturally, there are other factors involved in getting approved for a loan modification. However, they are secondary to the DTI calculation which is the most important element in the preparation of your case. If your figures don't meet the bank's guidelines, your application will be denied regardless of how strong your hardship letter is and how well you prepared other items. You have only one opportunity to present your case. You have to get it right the first time.

The bank really does want to help you but it must make sense for them too. Although you might think its personal,it's more matter of fact for them. Once you have a basic understanding of these guidelines, your chances for a successful loan modification are greatly improved.