Loan Modification and Refinancing - What's the Difference?

Loan Modification is a change in some of theaccumulated equity on the property and have a job
contractual terms of a loan that result in athat is very secure.
reinstatement of the loan with different payments thatIn the recent economic recession, home equity and
are affordable depending on one's financial situation.loan balances have been negatively affected. For
Refinancing means you will continue to pay the currentmany people refinancing is not an option. For people
debt while agreeing to a new mortgage. There arewho have lost their jobs or are unable to meet their
other differences and these are outlined in this article.monthly obligations, a loan modification is a good
Rather than starting a foreclosure proceeding, bankschoice. Perfect credit scores, equity or a job are not
and lending institutions would rather work out a loanrequired in this plan. The financial institution changes the
modification plan with someone who owes themterms of the loan, the interest rate is lowered and the
money. In this case the terms of the loan are changedmonthly payments are manageable.
and the borrower is given a new chance to pay backIt is hard to state which option is better, a loan
the entire loan. If the loan is refinanced, the terms maymodification or refinancing. They are each meant for
be better but there will be several fees and penaltiesdifferent situations, and in each case there are pros
to be paid. These depend on the actual mortgage. Thisand cons. Refinancing can be better for people who
is another important difference between the twohave accumulated equity on their property and have a
processes, but there are more.very good credit rating. If you choose to deal with your
Even though a loan modification lowers the interestfinancial struggles in this manner, and if you qualify, you
rate, lenders are becoming interested in it to help withwill probably not be offered a fixed interested rate or
the staggering number of homeowners who arepayment reductions. If you choose to pursue a loan
struggling with their debts. Banks would rather avoidmodification, you will not be asked to pay any fees,
foreclosure and work with the borrower to help themyour credit rating is not a consideration and you will get
re-establish their financial situation. Refinancing can alsoa lower, fixed interest rate. If you were wondering
result in a lower interest rate, but is different in otherwhat the difference is between refinancing and loan
ways. Homeowners, who are applicants formodification, hopefully you now know.
refinancing if they have a high credit score, have