My Accounts > Account Details > Frequently Asked Questions
 
 
Frequently Asked Questions  Print   
Have a question about your line of credit? Click one of the topics below if you have a question related to a particular subject, or scroll down to see the entire list. If your question isn't answered in this section, click "Contact Us" and we'll be happy to help you.
Planning for your retirementis not only wise, but easy to do. Contribute to your IRA.

I'd like to
 
 
 

Topics

 
   
 

Statements

Back to Topics  
  When will I receive my monthly billing statement?
How do I stop paper monthly billing statements from being sent to my mailing address?
How do I obtain a copy of a past statement I can't view on Chase.com?
 
 


When will I receive my monthly billing statement?
A billing statement will be generated automatically on your designated cycle date. You'll receive a statement for each payment due on your mortgage account. Simply detach the payment coupon from the statement and mail it, along with your check or money order, in the return envelope provided.

Back to top


How do I stop paper monthly billing statements from being sent to my mailing address?
You can stop paper statements and see your last six billing statements on Chase.com. We'll send an Alert to your designated e-mail address or phone once the statement is available for viewing. If you have the appropriate software, you can print a PDF version of your statement. Sign up for paperless statements.

Back to top


How do I obtain a copy of a past statement I can't view on Chase.com?
You can order one or multiple statements.

Back to top

 
 

Payments

Back to Topics  
 

Can Chase automatically let me know me when my payment is received?
Can I make a payment online?
If I use my Chase account to make a payment online, when will it be posted to my line or loan?
I don't have a Chase checking account. What are my online payment options?
If I use my non-Chase account to make a payment online, when will it be posted to my line or loan?
I need to make a payment today. What are my payment options?
I want to set up a monthly draft from my checking account. What are my options?
If I make a payment online, can I change or cancel it?

 
 

 

Can Chase automatically let me know me when my payment is received?
Yes. You can set up a Account Alert to be notified by voicemail and/or e-mail when we receive your payment. Set up Account Alerts.

Back to top

Can I make a payment online?
Yes. You can make a "one-time" or "automatic" Home Equity Installment Loan payment from your Chase or non-Chase account. Make a payment via transfer.

You can also set up an automatic payment that will withdraw the minimum amount due on each payment due date. Set up an automatic payment.

Back to top

If I use my Chase account to make a payment online, when will it be posted to my line or loan?
All online payments made from your Chase account are applied the same day if they're scheduled before 7:30 PM Eastern time (Monday-Friday). If a payment is scheduled after 7:30 PM Eastern time or on a weekend or holiday, the payment will be posted the next business day.

Back to top

I don't have a Chase checking account. What are my online payment options?
You have two online payment options:

  1. You can set up an automatic monthly payment that is withdrawn from your bank account (Chase or non-Chase) on the payment due date. We will withdraw the minimum amount due on the payment due date each month. Monthly additional principal payments can also be set up using this option. Set up an automatic monthly payment.
  2. You can opt for an external transfer (via Payments & Transfers tab) {what is this?}, which allows you to set up an external checking account for making transfers. Once added, the account will appear in the "Transfer To" or "Transfer From" box just like any other eligible account. Set up an external account.
Note: All online payments made from a non-Chase account are applied two business days from the transaction date.

Back to top

If I use my non-Chase account to make a payment online, when will it be posted to my line or loan?
All online payments made from a non-Chase account are applied two business days from the transaction date if they're made before 7:30 PM Eastern time (Monday-Friday).

Back to top

I need to make a payment today. What are my payment options?
You have two payment options:

  1. You can make an online payment using a Chase checking account before 7:30 PM Eastern time (Monday - Friday).
  2. If you don't have a Chase checking account, you can make a telephone payment; please call us before 12:00 AM Eastern time to have your payment applied that day. Call 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX to make a telephone payment by Speedpay.

Back to top

I want to set up a monthly draft from my checking account. What are my options?
You have two options:

  1. With an automatic monthly payment (ACH), your minimum payment is automatically deducted from your checking or savings account on your due date each month. You can also set up an automatic principal payment each month. Once the payment is set up, you can change or cancel it online. To sign up online or for more information, go to Chase.com.
  2. On the "Payments & Transfers" page, you can set up an online automatic monthly payment for any date you choose. You manage the online automatic payment function; it will not adjust automatically. You must make any payment amount changes before the scheduled date of the payment. Set up a repeating payment.

Back to top

If I make a payment online, can I change or cancel it?
Yes. You can change or cancel your automatic payment (ACH) on Chase.com. If your online payment is scheduled to occur in the future or as an automatic payment, you can change or cancel it online. (link to Cancel/change landing page)

Back to top

 
 

Change due date

Back to Topics  
 

Can I change my payment due date?

 
 

Can I change my payment due date?
You can change your payment due date under specific conditions; see if you qualify and then submit a request.

Back to top

 
 

Credit line increase

Back to Topics  
 

Can I apply online for an increase in my line of credit?

 
 

Can I apply online for an increase in my line of credit?
Yes. You can request an increase to your line of credit by completing and submitting an online form. You can choose to receive a response by e-mail or phone. Learn more about increasing your line of credit.

Back to top

 
 

Check orders

Back to Topics  
  When/how will I receive my first book of checks?
How do I order more checks for my line of credit?
How do I apply for an Equiline Visa card for my line of credit?
 
 


When/how will I receive my first book of checks?
When you open a home equity line of credit account, Chase will process and mail the first check order to the primary mailing address in your profile; this process usually takes 2-3 weeks. You can order additional checks on Chase.com, at your local Chase branch or by calling our Customer Care Center at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX.

Back to top


How do I order more checks for my line of credit?
Ask your personal banker or loan closer how to immediately access your line of credit after you've opened your account.

Back to top


How do I apply for an Equiline Visa card for my line of credit?
You can apply by calling our Customer Care Center at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX. (Note: Equiline Visa is currently unavailable in Connecticut and New York, and for Texas lines secured with Homestead properties.) Once approved, your Equiline Visa Card should arrive in about three weeks.

Back to top

 
 

Rate Locks

Back to Topics  
  What is the Chase Fixed Rate LockSM Option?
How does the Chase Fixed Rate LockSM Option work?
How many Locks can I have?
Are there any restrictions on how much I can lock?
How will a Lock change my available balance?
How will a Lock change my monthly payment?
How will a Chase Fixed Rate LockSM fit into my payment style?
Why do I need to choose a Lock description?
 
 


What is the Chase Fixed Rate LockSM Option?
If you have a Chase Home Equity Line of Credit, you've probably noticed that your monthly payments change with your variable interest rate.

With the Chase Fixed Rate LockSM Option, you can solve this issue by converting — or "locking in" — all or a portion of your outstanding balance to a fixed rate. This gives you greater control over your monthly payment.

Back to top


How does the Chase Fixed Rate LockSM Option work?
The Chase Fixed Rate LockSM Option allows you to lock in a fixed rate on all or a portion of your line of credit balance for the term you select. As you pay down your locked principal balance, your available balance is replenished for additional use. You can also use your remaining unlocked credit at a variable interest rate. Note: We offer different payment plans to fit your personal needs and payment style.

Watch our online demo for more details, including a few Lock examples. See if you qualify to set up a Lock online.

Back to top


How many Locks can I have?
You can have as many as five individual Locks on your line of credit at any time and you'll still have one convenient monthly payment.

Back to top


Are there any restrictions on how much I can lock?
Your Lock must be at least $1,000. It can be no greater than your outstanding home equity line of credit balance less any other Lock balances.

Back to top


How will a Lock change my available balance?
As you pay down your locked principal balance, your available balance is replenished for additional use. Your remaining unlocked balance credit remains at the variable interest rate.

Back to top


How will a Lock change my monthly payment?
Continue to make your line of credit payment until your Lock is established. You should begin to make your new payment once you receive our confirmation message and Lock instructions in your Chase Secure Message Center inbox and at the primary e-mail address in your profile. (You can also find the instructions on your account statement.)

We'll combine your Lock and existing home equity line of credit payment; so you'll still have just one home equity bill to pay each month. Your payments will have the same due date as your original line of credit, and your account activity will appear on the same account statement. You can ask us to deduct your monthly payments automatically. Also, you can pay down your balances faster by making larger monthly payments, with no prepayment fee.

Back to top


How will a Chase Fixed Rate LockSM fit into my payment style?
The Chase Fixed Rate LockSM Option offers different plans to fit your personal needs and payment style:

  • If you like knowing your payments will be the same each month, consider our full amortization option, which allows you to make fixed payments at a fixed rate of interest for a period up to the maturity date of your home equity line of credit account.
  • If you want your starting payments to be as low as possible, consider our interest-only option, which allows you to pay an interest-only payment for three, five or seven years with a fixed interest rate during the term you select. At the end of your term, your balance will convert back to a variable interest rate.
  • If you want to start with lower payments but also reduce your principal with each payment, consider our 1% outstanding balance option or our 360-month amortization option. Both options provide you with a fixed interest rate for three, five or seven years, and you reduce your principal and pay off interest with every payment. At the end of your term, your remaining balance converts back to a variable rate.

Back to top


Why do I need to choose a Lock description?
Your Lock description is for your own records and can help you keep track of how you used the Lock.

Back to top

 
 

Funds availability

Back to Topics  
 

If I make a payment on my home equity line of credit, when will the funds be available?

 
 

If I make a payment on my home equity line of credit, when will the funds be available?
We may place a "credit hold" on the portion of your payment that is applied to the principal to allow sufficient time for the funds to clear from your bank account.

During the "credit hold" period, this portion of your payment is not available for additional advances.

Back to top

 
 

Flood insurance

Back to Topics  
  Why do you require me to carry flood insurance?
What is a lender-placed policy?
Why do I need flood insurance even though my community has never been flooded?
Why am I now in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) required flood zone?
What is a Standard Flood Hazard Determination (SFHD) Form?
I disagree with your flood determination. How can I dispute the findings?
Now that I am no longer in a Special Flood Hazard Area, can I cancel my flood insurance policy?
How and when will I receive a refund for canceling my flood insurance?
I'd like to maintain my flood insurance policy, even though you advised me that I am not required to have flood insurance for my property. How do I do this?
I live in a condominium and my association pays the insurance. Why do I have to show proof of flood insurance?
Where can I find additional information about flood insurance?
Where do I send proof of flood insurance?
 
 


Why do you require me to carry flood insurance?
Federal law requires you to purchase and maintain flood insurance for the life of your loan when the secured property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Flood insurance is mandatory for loans on all properties designated in high-risk flood areas (SFHAs) as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

If FEMA revises flood zone mapping during the life of your loan and your property is now in a high risk area, we will notify you that you must purchase flood insurance. If you do not purchase flood insurance as required, we will purchase a policy on your behalf, which could be at a much higher rate.

Back to top


What is a lender-placed policy?
If we do not receive proof of a required flood insurance policy within the allotted time, we will purchase a policy on your behalf to protect your property. This purchased policy is also known as a lender-placed policy. The policy purchased on your behalf may be at a much higher rate than a policy you may be able to obtain yourself through a local agent.

If you have a lender-placed policy on your loan and you have questions about flood policy coverage, the amount of protection in your policy, the cost of flood insurance or any other questions, please contact the Insurance Processing Center (IPC) at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX.

Back to top


Why do I need flood insurance, even though my community has never been flooded?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released or updated a map showing that flood insurance is required for properties located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Flooding is the most common type of natural disaster worldwide; nearly 75 percent of dwellings in the U.S. located in areas with a high risk of flooding are not covered by flood insurance. For this reason, federal law requires us to ensure flood insurance is in place to protect your property if it is located in an SFHA.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has an arrangement with private insurance companies to sell and service flood insurance policies. You can find a list of private insurance companies that sell and service NFIP flood insurance policies at www.floodsmart.gov.

You can also contact your insurance agent or company to find out more about federal flood insurance or to find an agent serving your area.

Back to top


Why am I now in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) required flood zone?
Flood determinations for individual properties are regulated by federal guidelines, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA's responsibility is to identify and document areas prone to flooding and to provide and maintain flood maps. When we are notified about these changes, we pass this information on to our customers. Requirements for flood insurance are mandated by FEMA.

Back to top


What is a Standard Flood Hazard Determination (SFHD) Form?
A Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form is used by a map determination company that interprets the placement of a specific structure for the needs of flood insurance. We use the SFHD to track flood insurance compliance.

Back to top


I disagree with your flood determination. How can I dispute the findings?
If your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), you are required to maintain and provide proof of flood insurance coverage. If you disagree with our assessment of your flood insurance requirements and believe that your property is not located in an SFHA, please send us the following documents, completed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

  • Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), or
  • Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)
Please mail or fax your dispute in writing to:

   Chase Home Finance
   ATTN: Flood Compliance Department
   P.O. Box 24844
   Columbus, Ohio 43224-0844

Fax: 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX, Attn: Flood Compliance Department.

Note: To ensure accurate and timely processing, please include your name, address and loan number on all correspondence.

Note: Request a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) from FEMA. You can order the required forms (MT-1 or MT-EZ) by calling the FEMA Map Service Center at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX, or access them online at http://www.fema.gov/nfip/forms.shtm.
For help completing the forms, call the FEMA Map Assistance Center at 1-XXX-FEMA-MAP (1-XXX-XXX-XXXX).

Note: Unless we specifically ask you to submit them as supporting documents, please do not send us any of the following items as proof that your property is no longer in a SFHA:
  • Appraisal
  • Survey
  • Elevation certificate
  • Topography studies
  • Building permits
  • Letters from community officials
  • Official FEMA map revision

Back to top


Now that I am no longer in a Special Flood Hazard Area, may I cancel my flood insurance policy?
Yes, although we (and FEMA) strongly recommend that you maintain your flood insurance policy, even if you are not in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Based on FEMA statistical data, since 1978, $2.9 billion dollars have been spent on flood damages to properties designated outside of an SFHA.

If you choose to continue your flood insurance, you may qualify for premium discounts now that you are no longer in an SFHA.

Back to top


How and when will I receive a refund for canceling my flood insurance?
If you are no longer in a flood zone and you wish to cancel your flood insurance and request a refund, please contact your insurance carrier. If you have a lender-placed policy and you have requested a refund because you are no longer in a flood zone, please allow 2-3 weeks for the money to be credited to your account; you will see the adjustment on your statement.

Back to top


I'd like to maintain my flood insurance policy, even though you advised me that I am not required to have flood insurance for my property. How do I do this?
If you choose to maintain your flood insurance policy even though we do not require you to have flood insurance, please contact your insurance carrier to arrange for the payment of your policy.

Note: If we have notified you that your property is no longer located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), we will not collect for flood insurance as part of your escrow account.

Back to top


I live in a condominium and my association pays the insurance. Why do I have to show proof of flood insurance?
If we asked you for proof of flood insurance, it is only to update our records showing the most current flood insurance policy covering your property. We need to ensure your condominium policy covers your property and not just the condominium association's common property. Because you live in a condominium, we suggest you contact your condominium association to obtain a copy of the flood insurance policy.

Please mail or fax your flood insurance policy information to:
   Chase Home Finance LLC
   P.O. Box 47208
   Atlanta, GA 30366

   Fax: 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX

Note: To ensure accurate and timely processing, please include your name, address and loan number on all correspondence.

Back to top


Where can I find additional information about flood insurance?
Here are some related websites that provide additional flood information:

  • www.fema.gov
    The Federal Emergency Management Agency's website has information about flood requirement regulations and tools that can help you see flood insurance requirements for your community. For example, the Map Service Center allows you to see flood maps for your specific geographic area.
  • www.floodsmart.gov
    This website allows you to determine your risk of flooding, retrieve a list of insurance agents who can write a policy for your community and learn more about flood insurance requirements.
  • www.mycoverageinfo.com
    On this website, you can update information about your flood insurance policy. When you access the website, use this PIN when prompted: CMM6022
You can also contact our Insurance Processing Center at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX

Back to top


Where do I send proof of flood insurance?
You can update your flood insurance information online or by mailing or faxing us a copy of your policy:

To send us your information online, please go to www.mycoverageinfo.com and, when prompted, use this PIN: CM6022.

To send us your information by mail or fax:
   Chase Home Finance LLC
   P.O. Box 47208
   Atlanta, GA 30366

   Fax: 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX

Note: To ensure accurate and timely processing, please include your name, address and loan number on all correspondence.

Back to top

 
 

1098 Mortgage Interest Paid Tax Statement

Back to Topics  
  What deductions can I claim for income tax purposes?
I pay mortgage insurance premiums monthly. Why is there no amount listed in the Mortgage Insurance Premiums box (Box 4) on my 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement?
Why did I pay more interest this year than last year?
Why doesn't my Social Security Number appear on the Mortgage Interest Statement?
Can reportable interest be claimed by more than one person?
If my loan was transferred during the year and is now being serviced by a different company or I refinanced my loan, will I receive more than one Form 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement?
Are the real estate taxes I paid reported to the IRS, and can I deduct them?
If my mortgage was with Chase last year, how do I get a copy of that 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement?
I paid points at closing. Why is there no amount listed in the Points Paid on Purchase of Principal Residence box (Box 2) on my 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement?
 
 


What deductions can I claim for income tax purposes?
Please contact your tax/financial advisor, contact the IRS at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX or visit www.irs.gov for more information.

Back to top


I pay mortgage insurance premiums monthly. Why is there no amount listed in the Mortgage Insurance Premiums box (Box 4) on my 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement?
The Mortgage Insurance Premiums box (Box 4) applies only to loans closed after December 31, 2006. Please contact your tax/financial advisor, contact the IRS at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX or visit www.irs.gov for more information.

Back to top


Why did I pay more interest this year than last year?
The amount of interest credited to your account may change from year to year. The change may have occurred as a result of an interest rate change, or it may depend on the number of payments we received during the calendar year.

Back to top


Why doesn't my Social Security Number appear on the Mortgage Interest Statement?
In accordance with IRS regulations, we are only required to report mortgage interest received from the "Payer of Record" on the loan. We report mortgage interest received in the name and Social Security Number of the first person listed on the billing statement, also known as the primary borrower. If you would like to change the primary borrower to another name listed on the note, send a written request with signatures from all borrowers listed on the note to:

   Chase Home Finance
   Attn: Year End
   P.O. Box 24725
   Columbus, OH 43224-9833

Note: The request will not be granted unless we receive a written request signed by all borrowers.

Back to top


Can reportable interest be claimed by more than one person?
In accordance with IRS regulations, we report mortgage interest received in the name of one individual only. Please contact your tax/financial advisor, contact the IRS at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX or visit www.irs.gov for more information.

Back to top


If my loan was transferred during the year and is now being serviced by a different company or I refinanced my loan, will I receive more than one Form 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement?
You should receive a Form 1098 from each company to which you paid reportable mortgage interest or points. If you refinanced and had reportable interest on both the old and the new loan, you should receive a separate 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement for each account.

Back to top


Are the real estate taxes I paid reported to the IRS, and can I deduct them?
In accordance with IRS regulations, we are not required to report real estate taxes paid to the mortgagor or the IRS. We provide you with the amount of real estate taxes you've paid in Box 5 on Form 1098 for informational purposes only. To determine if real estate taxes paid are deductible, please contact your tax/financial advisor, contact the IRS at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX or visit www.irs.gov for more information.

Back to top


If my mortgage was with Chase last year, how do I get a copy of that 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement?
See your 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement(s) for last year.

Back to top


I paid points at closing. Why is there no amount listed in the Points Paid on Purchase of Principal Residence box (Box 2) on my 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement?
In accordance with IRS regulations, not all points are reportable. Contact your tax/financial advisor, contact the IRS at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX or visit www.irs.gov for more information.

Back to top

 

Foreclosure (HE)

Back to Topics  
   
  What is "foreclosure"?
"Foreclosure" is the legal process lenders use to take possession of a property when the borrower is no longer able to make his or her loan payments. In a foreclosure, the occupants of the property are required to move out once the foreclosure sale is complete.

Back to top

What are my state's foreclosure laws?
Foreclosure processes vary by state. There are two types of foreclosure actions that can occur
  1. Judicial: Foreclosure processed by a court action
  2. Non-judicial: Foreclosure action taken without going through the courts

Back to top

Who should I contact if I receive a foreclosure notice?
If you receive a foreclosure notice, please contact our Loss Mitigation department at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX.

Back to top

What are my options for keeping my house out of foreclosure?
We have many different options for helping you try to keep your home out of foreclosure, including forbearance plans, loan modifications and deeds in lieu of foreclosure. To determine which workout options you qualify for, we'll need to discuss your financial situation with you. Please contact our Loss Mitigation department at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX.

Back to top

Can my home be foreclosed for delinquent taxes?
Yes. Failure to pay your taxes can result in a foreclosure action being taken against your property.

Back to top

Can a lender foreclose on my second lien?
Yes. Mortgage holders have the right to foreclose against a property once a borrower defaults on the terms of the loan. If there are multiple mortgage loans against a property, any of the lenders may foreclose if a default occurs.

Back to top

Can you foreclose if I am in bankruptcy?
Under most circumstances, we cannot continue a foreclosure process once you file bankruptcy. In some cases (e.g., if you have filed bankruptcy more than once), we may not be subject to the automatic stay that would normally go into effect with the bankruptcy filing; in this case, a foreclosure may continue. In addition, we may file a motion with the bankruptcy court to request relief from the automatic stay so we can conduct or continue with foreclosure proceedings.

Back to top

What happens when my house goes into foreclosure?
Once the foreclosure action is completed, the property is transferred to our Real Estate Owned (REO) department; at this time, the eviction process occurs, property values are obtained and the property is marketed. Not all properties are transferred to REO: Bank-owned and some investor properties are transferred to REO if we purchase them at the foreclosure sale. However, some properties we purchase at the sale are transferred to the insurer (e.g., HUD, VA), and some properties are purchased by third parties.

Back to top

 

Loss mitigation (HE)

Back to Topics  
   
  What is "loss mitigation"?
"Loss mitigation" is a process to avoid foreclosure. In other words, we try to help a borrower who has been unable to make loan payments and is in danger of defaulting on his or her loan.

Back to top

Why would a lender foreclose?
In most cases, the lender loses money on a foreclosure. Foreclosures only occur when the borrower is either no longer making payments toward the loan or has repeatedly missed his or her scheduled payments.

Back to top

What are my options if I'm already in foreclosure or have received notice of foreclosure?
If you are in this situation, you may want to consider hiring an attorney and having him or her work with us. If you don't have or don't want to hire an attorney, please call our Loss Mitigation department immediately at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX. If you don't have the resources to repay your loan, our Loss Mitigation Department may be able to determine a solution to either save your home or, at a minimum, reduce the impact to your credit score. The worst option when faced with foreclosure is to take no action at all; you could lose your home and severely damage your credit.

Back to top

Can I get on a repayment plan?
A repayment plan is an effective loss mitigation option that is used in an attempt to bring a loan up to date. This option is used when a borrower can send multiple increased payment installments to bring his or her loan up to date. The repayment option only works if the borrower is able to make monthly payments in excess of his or her regular monthly payments.

Back to top

What is a loan modification?
A loan modification is a change in the terms of a loan, usually the interest rate and/or term, in response to the borrower's inability to make the payments under the existing terms.

Back to top

What is "capitalization" on an approved modification?
Capitalization is when the arrearage is added to the unpaid principal balance. Interest accrues on the capitalized amount.

Back to top

Can you modify active bankruptcy accounts?
Yes. We'll need approval from the Bankruptcy department - and we may require consent from the Bankruptcy Court - before we handle these accounts.

Back to top

What is a "deed in lieu of foreclosure"?
A deed in lieu of foreclosure is one of the options used to avoid foreclosure. A deed is given to the lender to fulfill the obligation to repay the debt; this process doesn't allow the borrower to remain in the house but helps avoid the costs, time and effort associated with foreclosure.

Back to top

Can I sell my home if the foreclosure process has started?
Yes. However, you need to contact our Loss Mitigation department at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX before the foreclosure sale is complete. Your property also must be listed with a licensed real estate agent.

Back to top

Can I sell my home if I owe more than it's worth?
Yes, in some instances. This option is known as a short sale or pre-foreclosure sale. To pursue this option, you can contact our Loss Mitigation department at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX to determine if you qualify.

Back to top

What will a foreclosure do to my credit rating?
Foreclosures are extremely damaging to your credit score and can stay on your credit report for up to seven years. A foreclosure can cause difficulties obtaining future credit of any kind, including home loans and student loans. Obtaining credit cards may also be difficult, and if you are able to get credit, your interest rate will likely be at a higher rate. If you're heading toward a foreclosure, there may be options available to reduce the impact to your credit score. Please contact our Loss Mitigation department at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX for additional information.

Back to top

What happens if I'm past due with my payment?
You'll be charged a late fee and, depending on your loan type, you may be charged additional interest. In addition, we are obligated to report late payments to the main credit bureaus every month, so late payments may have a negative effect on your credit rating.

Back to top

What happens if I miss a payment?
You'll be charged a late fee and, depending on your loan type, you may be charged additional interest. In addition, we are obligated to report late payments to the main credit bureaus every month, so late payments may have a negative effect on your credit rating.

Back to top

When will my past-due payment be reported to the credit agencies?
We report to the main credit bureaus every month, so even one late payment may end up on your credit report. When payments are made on time, this monthly reporting helps you build a positive credit history. If you're concerned about this, please call Customer Care at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX.

Back to top

How much will being past due cost me?
Late charges vary according to the terms of the loan and are based on factors such as the type of loan and the interest rate. For example, if you have an adjustable rate mortgage, your late charges would change as your interest rate changes. Also, some loans accrue interest on a daily basis, so late payments result in additional interest charges.

Back to top

Why do you charge fees when I am past due? I'm already having problems paying.
Every month, we have an obligation to pay the owner or investor of your home loan. When you don't pay your loan, we're still required to pay this obligation on your behalf. We charge fees for past-due or missed payments to make up the cost of paying your obligations for you.

Back to top

How do I get my past-due loan back in good standing?
You'll need to make all your past-due payments and pay any fees and interest charged as a result of late payments. To find out exactly how much you owe, you'll need to request a loan reinstatement from our Loss Mitigation department at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX. If you're unable to catch up on your payments, our Loss Mitigation department may be able to set up a plan to get you back on track.

Back to top

What if I can't make my payments?
If you can't make your payments, please contact a Loss Mitigation department member immediately at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX . Even if you don't think you have the resources or ability to repay your loan, the Loss Mitigation department may be able to help you work something out to save your home or, at the very least, minimize the negative impact to your credit. By doing nothing, you'll face foreclosure and severely damaged credit.

Back to top

Can I refinance my loan if my mortgage payment is past due?
It's best to contact our Loss Mitigation department at 1-XXX-XXX-XXXX to discuss your options.

Back to top

What happens to my tax and insurance if I'm also past due on paying into my escrow account?
If you have an escrow account, we continue to pay tax and insurance to protect the property. However, just as with your mortgage, you would still owe this money, in addition to any late fees and interest incurred.

Back to top