KEL Law Firm: New HAMP Program Helps More Homeowners Struggling with Mortgage Payments and Facing Foreclosure

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KEL Attorneys - Kaufman, Englett & Lynd

We believe that these changes to HAMP will offer much needed help to people who otherwise would have been forced into foreclosure.

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) June 22, 2012

On June 1, the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) extended financial assistance to struggling homeowners who were previously locked out of the HAMP or Making Home Affordable(MHA ) programs. The so-called “Tier 2” guidelines now include help for rental property owners and others who did not qualify under the original program.

“We believe that these changes to HAMP will offer much needed help to people who otherwise would have been forced into foreclosure – especially those with investment properties,” said Kristen Schlereth, senior managing attorney at KEL.

Schlereth, director of KEL’s mediation and loss mitigation division, said that she’s especially glad to see that the program will offer an additional modification review for homeowners that have been previously denied a HAMP modification.

“The housing downturn has really hurt American families. This is one more step in bringing stability to our housing market and our communities, in particular the hardest hit states like Florida, Nevada, Arizona, and California,” Schlereth said. “Traditionally, those with investment income tied up in rental properties have had to take a loss on their investment.”

The Tier 2 expansion will offer a new line of defense for those seeking to protect their investment properties.

Because the criteria and guidelines are complex, some experts urge homeowners facing foreclosure to work with an attorney. At KEL law firm, consultations are free. And if homeowners want further legal help, KEL offers flat-rate fees.

To help homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments who are facing foreclosure, KEL has developed a video to answer some of the frequently asked questions about HAMP and Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP).

“We pride ourselves on being a legal resource for everybody,” Schlereth said. “So, we urge people to call us to see if they qualify for government assistance or to come in and talk to an attorney at no charge.”

Some of the changes to the previous HAMP program include:

•     Expanding eligibility to homeowners who did not qualify because of established debt-to-income ratios.
•     Extending help to rental property owners, which will help some investment properties.
•     Those who have been transferred for jobs may now have their former residence considered for a traditional HAMP modification.

To find out more about the new HAMP Tier 2 program, people can call 888-238-2686, visit the KEL Attorneys website or the HAMP web site. KEL law firm's website also has the question-and-answer HAMP video.

About KEL Attorneys. Kaufman, Englett and Lynd, PLLC is a full-service, national law firm practicing in 20 states with offices in Orlando, Tampa and St. Petersburg, Fla. They are an established leader in the area of consumer legal services. KEL Attorneys offer free consultations and flat fees for legal services that include foreclosures, bankruptcies, family law, criminal and civil law. For more information, go to http://www.kelattorneys.com.

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