California mortgage-help program expands to 20 lenders

By Dale Kasler

A $2 billion California mortgage-aid program has nearly tripled the number of participating lenders since its inception – a development that will likely enhance the program’s effectiveness.

The 20 lenders that have agreed to participate in the Keep Your Home California program include six of the largest in the state, the California Housing Finance Agency said Tuesday.

Combined, the 20 lenders account for 80 percent of all the home mortgages in the state. The program, funded with federal dollars, is aimed at helping at least 100,000 homeowners in California who are struggling to pay their mortgages.

There were just eight lenders onboard when the program began in February. This stifled the strength of the effort.

To date, 645 homeowners have received a total of $3.9 million, a sliver of the $2 billion available. Evan Gerberding, a spokeswoman for the state finance agency, said an additional 4,400 homeowners have applications in the pipeline for assistance.

There are various forms of assistance, and lender participation is crucial.  For instance, one piece of the program will actually pay down a portion of the outstanding principal on a mortgage.  But it only works if … 
Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/06/08/3684327/california-mortgage-help-program.html#ixzz1OhRDBLDJ

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