HUD puts out list of HOPE lenders

Federal housing officials have compiled a list of lenders participating in the HOPE for Homeowners program, which they say could help as many as 400,000 homeowners avoid foreclosure by refinancing problem loans into new 30-year fixed-rate mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

When released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Thursday, the list of participating lenders totaled 67 businesses. But HUD said the list will be updated as new lenders enroll in the HOPE for Homeowners program, which kicked off Oct. 1.

Borrowers who hope to refinance into an FHA-guaranteed loan under the HOPE for Homeowners program need the cooperation of their existing lender or loan servicer, as the program will only provide loans equal to 90 percent of a home's current appraised value.

The holder of the existing mortgage may choose to foreclose on a troubled borrower or offer them a workout or loan modification rather than accept the losses associated with declining property values, HUD acknowledges.

When contacting any of the HOPE for Homeowners lenders on the list, borrowers "are strongly encouraged to contact your servicing lender and any subordinate lien holders since their participation is vital for you to refinance into a HOPE for Homeowners mortgage," HUD advised.

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