How banks are trying to improve modification process

LAKE WORTH, Fla. - Dorrett Barnes loves spending time gardening around her Lake Worth home.

"I have an attachment to the place,” Barnes said.

But paying for the tropical paradise started becoming too much. After her husband became ill, and thousands of dollars in storm damage, Barnes fell behind.

“I was almost ready to give up to be honest.  I was actually packing thinking that I'm not going to be able to stay here," Barnes said.

In distress, her bank bailed her out, cutting her payments almost in half.

“I think it demonstrates a new wave of aggressiveness that the banks have to not only try to create a permanent resolution for the homeowner, but really to look at the monthly payment to make sure it's going to be affordable and that customer will pay it on an on-going bases,” Paul Baltrun with the Paul Krasker law firm said.

Baltrun said he’s seen proof banks are getting faster at responding too.

"They're still losing fax documentation, that hasn't changed. But the turn times have become better over the last 11 months," Baltrun said.

Bank of America said it's completing modification reviews quickly. Most responses come within 30 days.

Fannie Mae says it's improving response times by fining servicers that don't comply.

And Wells Fargo says it’s always making adjustments, encouraging those turned down to try again.

“I just think that when you've worked so hard in life and you've acquired something that you're proud of, you shouldn't just walk away so easily," Barnes said.

If you're looking for some assistance to get you started with a modification there's a free event.
The Urban League of Palm Beach County will have housing counselors at its annual Christmas Giveaway.
It's Saturday, December 15th from 10 A.M. until 2 P.M. at Gaines Park . You can call 561-833-1461 for more information.