[LHarveyMadman]

Hi Sticky,

You are correct about my situation and what I experienced. Since I posted my story and my method - which really isn't that different from what other people have done with other lenders - at least 5 other persons here have had success with B of A using the same approach. Most of us are in California.

Your situation is different because you already have a fixed rate at an interest rate that is considered to be very good. However, rates on conforming loans (don't know if that applies to you) are below 5% in some cases, so there is clearly room to move.

Is refinancing an option for you? If you have sufficient equity in your home (i.e. at least 20%), your request for modification might be turned down and you might be told to do a conventional refinance of your existing loan. Nevertheless, it does not hurt to try.

Start getting your numbers together - household income and expenses. Try to estimate how your expenses will change once your new child arrives. Remember, however, that having too much of a deficit will also disqualify you from getting a modification. If the lender determines that you can't afford the payment even with a modification, then you won't get it.