Stephen, get up to speed to understand the swindle of homeowners by the banks. They have the govt in their back pocket so you first need to know what you are up against. Google- marcy kaptur- bill moyers interview and watch a 14 term congresswoman blow the lid off what is going on along with the former chief economist for the IMF.
I know the swindle since I'm in the middle of this every day and since I'm rescinding 5 mortgages personally for lender fraud.
Once you survey the battlefield you can then plan your strategy for beating these crooks.
The legal "bat" is really the only thing that gets their attention. The days of the "vanilla " loan mod either performed by non-profits, for-profits, the govt, etc are very ineffective.
No offense but lenders don't give two cents about your hardship, etc. I just spoke to a client yesterday who's husband had a recent stroke, is partially paralyzed in the hospital and somehow Nations Bank got the number to his room and was harassing a paralyzed stroke victim for money to pay the mortgage after they have tried to get a modification for several months.
This is the what you are dealing with. Some low level employees may have a hint of compassion but the collection dept (often times posing as the loss mit dept) will badger, prressure and coerce you into paying since their bonuses depend on what they can get out of you, just like the IRS works when their agents shake you down.
The more they get out of you the better their career and promotions.
Be prepared to fight back, but know this. Possession is 9/10th's of the law and you as homeowner have a lot more power than you know.
Finally google "kansas supreme court decision against MERS" to see an example of the tide turning against these crooks..
hope that helps. This may sound like an outrageous post, but everything I'm telling you is a fact and it's going to get worse befroe it gets better.
put on your helmet and go get em once you educate yourself.
