2010 Principal Reduction Update
HOUSING PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS OFFER ADDITIONAL
OPTIONS FOR STRUGGLING HOMEOWNERS

Refinements to Existing Administration Programs Designed to Help Unemployed,
Underwater Borrowers While Helping Administration Meet its Goals

WASHINGTON – Bank of America has announced it will make principal forgiveness– ahead of an interest rate reduction – the initial consideration toward modifying certain subprime, Pay-Option and prime two-year hybrid mortgages qualifying for its National Homeownership Retention Program (NHRP). An interest rate reduction and other steps would then be considered, if additional savings are necessary to reach the 31 percent debt to income targeted payment. Under the plan BOA will forgive up to 30 percent of the mortgage loan balance in two stages, but with a quid pro quo from the homeowner.  The bank will offer an interest-free forbearance of up to 30 percent of the principal balance for five years.  If the homeowner stays current on mortgage payments for the period of time, then the amount will be forgiven.  On paper, at least, that forgiveness will allow the homeowner to return his loan to an LTV of 100 percent.

Today, as part of its ongoing commitment to continuously improve housing relief efforts, the Administration announced adjustments to the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) and to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) programs. These program adjustments will better assist responsible homeowners who have been affected by the economic crisis through no fault of their own. The program modifications will expand flexibility for mortgage servicers and originators to assist more unemployed homeowners and to help more people who owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth because their local markets saw large declines in home values. These changes will help the Administration meet its goal of stabilizing housing markets by offering a second chance to up to 3 to 4 million struggling homeowners through the end of 2012. Costs will be shared between the private sector and the Federal Government; the Federal cost of these changes will be funded through the $50 billion allocation for housing programs under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).