Arizonan borrowers see some mortgage relief progress

In the past eight months, the five largest mortgage servicers are reporting that some progress has been made in implementing the National Mortgage Settlement and toward the expected $1.3 billion in consumer relief for Arizona borrowers. The Settlement resolved allegations of foreclosure abuses, fraud, and unacceptable residential mortgage servicing practices.

The National Mortgage Settlement, reached February 9, 2012, is a $25 billion joint federal-state agreement with the nation’s five largest mortgage servicers: Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, CitiBank, and GMAC/Ally.

The Monitor of the National Mortgage Settlement, Joseph A. Smith, provided the second interim report entitled, “Continued Progress: a Report from the Monitor of the National Mortgage Settlement,” to inform the public of progress made between March 1, 2012 and September 30, 2012.

According to the Monitor’s report, over 13,011 Arizona consumers reportedly received relief in excess of $984 million. In addition to principal forgiveness, the Settlement also includes a refinance program for borrowers who have been denied the chance to refinance because they owe more than their homes are worth. So far, over 1,895 underwater Arizona borrowers have reportedly been able to refinance their mortgages under the Settlement, resulting in aggregate savings of more than $61 million.

The data provided by the servicers has not yet been reviewed and approved by the Monitor and will be credited toward their overall obligations under the settlement using complex formula caps and other limitations, which sometimes provides less than dollar-for-dollar credit.

To review the Monitor’s second interim report and to access an interactive map containing the servicers’ reported figures, visit the Monitor’s website at https://www.mortgageoversight.com/

Resources:

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has established a dedicated e-mail address, website link, and phone line to respond to questions regarding the Settlement:
Email: mortgagefraud@azag.gov
Toll-free outside the Phoenix area: 855-256-2834

Within the Phoenix area: 602-542-1797 www.azag.gov/consumer/foreclosure/settlement.html

Consumers who feel they have been a victim of mortgage or servicing fraud, or any other type of consumer fraud, may file a consumer complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. To file a complaint online, consumers can visit: http://www.azag.gov/consumer/complaintform.html.

HUD Approved, Non-Profit Housing Counseling Agencies: For foreclosure assistance or information regarding obtaining services from no-cost, non-profit, HUD approved housing counselor in Arizona, visit www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?&webListAction=search&searchstate=AZ or call the Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Hotline: (877) 448-1211

For Information about whether you are eligible for consumer relief you can also call your mortgage servicer:

• Bank of America: (877) 488-7814
• JP Morgan Chase: (866) 372-6901
• Wells Fargo: (800) 288-3212
• CitiBank: (866) 272-4749
• Ally/GMAC: (800) 766-4622.

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