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What Struggling Homeowners Need to Know


If you are struggling to pay your mortgage or facing foreclosure, don’t wait to get help. Contact your bank or mortgage servicer to discuss options.
 

Contact your lender.

The first step is to contact your mortgage provider. About half of the people entering into foreclosure have not contacted their lender. Lenders are focused on long-term customer relationships and are devoted to finding solutions that keep customers in their homes. Most creditors are willing to work out alternate payment plans, especially in emergency situations such as job loss or major illness. To find out what institution holds your loan, contact your mortgage servicer, call (888) 679-6377 or go to www.mers-servicerid.org.
 

Explore credit counseling.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling can help you find a local credit counselor who can assist you with foreclosure and other debt issues. Counselors can help you develop a budget and a plan for paying down debt. To reach NFCC, call (800) 388-2227 or visit www.nfcc.org. Struggling homeowners can also contact HOPEnow, an alliance of financial service professionals, or the Homeownership Preservation Foundation (888-995-HOPE) which offers free foreclosure prevention counseling.
 

Investigate mortgage modifications.

Making Home Affordable offers mortgage modifications for borrowers whose loans are owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac or guaranteed by USDA or Veterans Affairs. MHA offers two different potential solutions for borrowers: refinancing mortgage loans through the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), and modifying mortgage loans through the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). You may be eligible to refinance through HARP if you're not behind on your mortgage payments, but have been unable to get traditional refinancing because the value of your home has declined. You may be eligible to modify your loans through HAMP if you are employed, but still struggle to make your mortgage payments. To speak with someone about either of these programs, call 888-995-HOPE. Six out of 10 callers will be referred to housing counselors.
 

Beware of foreclosure fraud.

Only work with non-profit housing counselors who have been approved by Housing and Urban Development. Check HUD.gov for a list of approved counselors. HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and credit issues. Most services are no- or low-cost and shouldn’t run hundreds or thousands of dollars for assistance. Be wary of anyone who claims they can "fix" your credit. The only thing that can fix your credit report is time and a positive payment history.​​

 

From Our Customers

"When clients are needing a lender, my first recommendation is Platte Valley Bank. Rob Bradshaw at the Smithville South location has been a tremendous partner in the mortgage process. Everything is done professionally and timely. He keeps all parties well informed during the whole process."

Phil W.

  ·  Realtor Relationship

From Our Customers

"I've had a working relationship with Platte Valley Bank and Keri Rotterman for the last 16 years. She's always professional and keeps the process running smoothly by making communication a priority. Lending guidelines are increasingly complex but Keri's knowledge and experience keep my buyers on task. She goes the extra mile to get us our ultimate goal... A new home. I believe in Keri so much that she has done my personal home loans!"

Paige S.

  ·  Realtor Relationship

From Our Customers

"I am so pleased to have been referred to Rob Bradshaw by my real estate agent. He is able to combine professionalism and genuine friendliness, which makes for a very pleasant banking experience. I was treated as a person and not a number, which is rare in current corporate environments. My entire experience with Rob and staff from opening new accounts to the mortgage process has been positive."

Theresa C.

Smithville, MO  ·  Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"We own a very unique home and my husband and I are both self-employed, so we were prepared for a very difficult situation. She knew what documents we needed to complete, she went to work and closed on our refinance in a matter of a few weeks. It was a very smooth process, she answered our questions about refinancing. As an added bonus, she is one of the best closers I have ever worked with as a realtor. She's a 10 on a scale of 1-5!"

Anne R.

Kansas City, MO  ·  Refinanced Home in 2015

From Our Customers

"From the first inquiring phone call to the final signing of papers, Steve Hayward at Platte Valley Bank was kind and professional. He kept us informed and responded to all our questions in a timely manner with patience and knowledge. When we came up against a hurdle, his team dug in and found the solution. We appreciate his hard work and would definitely recommend his services."

Chris & Melissa K.

Independence, MO  ·  Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"Keri was phenomenal. She made the entire process from start to finish super easy and with little stress. I would highly recommend her and Platte Valley Bank to anyone looking for a home loan."

Chris S.

Platte City, MO  ·  Bought a home in June 2016

From Our Customers

"We were very pleased with the professional manner that Steve addressed our questions and concerns. The entire process was a great experience with everything handled in a timely manner with all time lines met. We are truly grateful for the friendly atmosphere and casual approach Steve has to knowing and greeting his customers needs. We feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity and privilege to have worked with Steve Hayward."

William M.

Trimble, MO  ·  Home Refinance

From Our Customers

"Just wanted to say thank you to Jason Payne for all of his help and patience! I love my new home and I'm looking forward to spending many years here creating wonderful memories!"

Nancy L.

Kansas City, KS  ·  Purchased New Home in 2016

From Our Customers

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Aaron is very responsive, got us a great rate, and he made it extremely easy on us with use of technology (only had to physically sign documents for him once). Our Realtor even commented multiple times about how great THEIR experience was with him. Overall, very impressed and would absolutely recommend.“

Reid K.

Gladstone, MO  ·  Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"Thank you, thank you to Steve Hayward! You went above and beyond with answering questions and prompt attention on paperwork, making all it all go so smooth. You were on top of it!"

Kristy W.

Liberty, MO  ·  Refinanced Home

From Our Customers

"John is fantastic to work with. He knows the mortgage lending and underwriting process! He will help streamline your home loan at Platte Valley Bank and offer wonderful & competitive rates and closing costs! Five Stars!"

Gus S.

  ·  Builder/Realtor Relationship

From Our Customers

"Steve is very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire loan and closing process. He guided me throughout, answered my questions, and made sure everything was in order and timely. The process couldn't have gone any smoother. I really appreciate his work in making this happen."

Sean M.

Holt, MO  ·  Home Purchase Remodel

From Our Customers

"I would like to commend Steve and his team of loan professionals on our recent house loan. Applying for a house loan is more complicated now then it used to be. You explained the loan process in detail, guided us each step of the way to ensure we understood your loan process, and provided a timeline. You have a very customer service oriented team, I would recommend PVB to anyone looking to secure a house loan."

Darrell B.

Kansas City, MO  ·  New Home Purchase

   

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