VA REACHING OUT TO VETS WITH MORTGAGE PROBLEMS

Many home owners have found it difficult recently to pay their mortgages, but quick intervention by loan counselors at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has actually reduced the number of veterans defaulting on their home loans.

VA is reaching out to veterans – both those who use the home-loan guaranty program and those who don’t take advantage of VA guaranties – to keep people in their homes. Accounting for much of this success are VA counselors at nine regional loan centers who assist people with VA-guarantied loans avoid foreclosure through counseling and special financing arrangements. The counselors also can assist other veterans with financial problems. Depending on a veteran’s circumstances, VA can intercede with the borrower on the veteran’s behalf to pursue options – such as repayment plans, forbearance, and loan modifications – that would allow a veteran to keep a home.

To obtain help from a VA financial counselor, veterans can call VA toll-free at 1-877-827-3702. Information about VA’s home loan guaranty program can be obtained at www.homeloans.va.gov.