Just hired J. Griswold Law to handle Loan Mod w/ CW

[jdhines448]

elpjohnson,

I tried to do it on my own too, but CW just kept coming back with excuses and finally, a very, very poor loan mod offer. That's when I decided I needed to hire an attorney. I'm with you, I am really looking forward to hearing the results of the audit. Our position will be greatly improved if it turns out there are substantial violations.

I'm happy that you are one of the forums success stories. It helps all of us to know that, while it is difficult, time consuming and can be expensive, a good loan mod can be achieved. My wife and I appreciate your support and prayers elpjohnson!

Regards, Jeff

[elpjohnson]

Jeff....

Just know you have to HANG ON!!!! It's going to be a bumpy ride! It took about 10 months from the time I joined this forum to get the mod I got....so it can take a while. BUT it can be done.

[jdhines448]

elpjohnson,

We will hang on... The level of professionalism by the Griswold team has been comforting; I beleive if they were violations, they will find them. Thanks much!

Regards, Jeff

[jdhines448]

Countrywide called me today asking if I was going to sign their Loan Modification by Oct. 1. I told them I was still thinking about it and would get back to them. I let Branden of J. Griswold's office know and asked him what to do. He said to give them his name and number at the law office. That's what I'll do next time they call me. Keep up the fight! Regards, Jeff

[sandiegosunshine]

For anyone that has had a successful loan mod done through an attorney (or is attempting to..) Were you current on your payments throughtout the process? If not, how far behind?

I was told by the attorney's office that they open up a 60 day window of dispute in which the lender cannot report you to the credit bureau.. does anyone know anything about this? What happens after 60 days since I am hearing this takes 10 months or longer!

We are definitely not going to be able to make this months payment AND pay the attorney, which we are leaning heavily towards doing.

It is SUCH a scary decision to make as we have never missed a payment.. but, this cannot go on.

[amendoza]

Welcome to the forum Sandiegosunshine....they're refering to section 6 of Respa.

Section 6
Section 6 of RESPA provides borrowers with consumer protections relating to the servicing of their loans. If a borrower sends a “qualified written request” to his loan servicer concerning the servicing of the loan, the servicer must provide a written acknowledgment within 20 business days of receipt of the request. Not later than 60 business days after receiving the request, the servicer must make any appropriate corrections to the borrower’s account, and must provide a written clarification regarding any dispute. During this 60-day period, the servicer may not provide information to a consumer reporting agency concerning any overdue payment related to such period or qualified written request.

Section 6 of RESPA also provides for damages and costs for individuals or classes of individuals in circumstances where servicers are shown to have violated the requirement of that Section.

[elpjohnson]

Sandiegosunshine....

I just had our loan modified with AHMSI through an attorney and was current on my payments throughout the process. I was never behind not even 30 days. So, I'm not sure about the 60 day window of dispute deal but I do know that in my modification I skipped a full months payment and because of the way my modification was done I was reported as current throughout the process....in other words, I was allowed to skip a payment because of the way the modification was structured without it being reported as late to the credit bureaus.

It's such a difficult decision to make (pay an attorney or pay your mortgage).....if you feel like you can't do it on your own, hire the attorney but be prepared to take a hit on your credit....and they probably won't remove it unless you come to some sort of an agreement with them....most lenders are really strict about the credit reporting and will absolutely refuse to remove lates from your credit report.....hate to say this but some lenders are just a$$holes about this!

Take care and good luck....I wish you all the best and will keep you and your family in my prayers. God bless!

[chrval21]

Hi, Any updates on your modification from Law offices of James E. Griswold? I have also just hired them and I'm still a little worried about making the right choice. Any insight of your experience so far would be appreciated.

[sandiegosunshine]

How long ago did you start the process chrval21?

[chrval21]

On Oct 10 to be exact.

[jdhines448]

chrval21,

I think you can rest assured that you made the correct decision. I certainly feel that way. They've kept me updated and answered all my questions promptly. It does take some time, so patience is needed.

They found errors with my loan during the Audit and the audit department went over all of that information with me. I just heard today that the attorney wants to schedule a time to speak with me, so I should know more soon.

Everyone, I have dealt with at Griswold has been very helpful and responsive.

Best of luck!

Jeff

[branden_williams]

Thank you for hangin in there! The people whom seek knowledge will be the ones that survive this...glad you sought the knowledge. We are paying it forward here in these rough times and we won't quit until the work is done.

[chrval21]

Jeff,

Thank you for the reassurance. I'm glad to hear you are seeing progress with your mod. I hope to have the same success. How long did it take for the attorney to contact you regarding the modification? I still do not understand why the attorney office does not contact our lenders at the time of rendering their services on our behalf. I like to see things in writing and really do not like the he said she said game. I know this is a battle of the fittest but I am hoping as you for the best without losing my home.

[branden_williams]

chrval21,
The lender is normally contacted within 72 hours from the time services has been rendered. We do a QWR (qualified written request) which puts the lender on notice you have hired an attorney.
Keep in mind the lender has to go through a process and we\ they being the attorney's office do not deal with customer service or the collection side of the lender. Also keep in mind the lender is on a dialing system which means your number is automatically dialed at least 10 times a day. Customer service or the collections dept. may not be able to see what is going on.

[jdhines448]

chrval21,

I

[jdhines448]

chrval21,

I started the process on 9/18 and have scheduled an appointment to speak with the attorney tomorrow, 10/23. Of course, much work has been going on behind the scenes and they have several clients. Also, It took me some time to get all of my documents together. Branden, from the law office, reviewed my documents and let me know what else was missing, which I sent.

Then it went to the audit department and they let me know they needed a few things which I sent. After a few weeks the audit was completed and they reviewed it with me. During the interim I have heard from Branden and the Griswold Office on many occasions and as Branden mentioned they had notified Countrywide shortly after the 18th of Sept. I also told Countrywide that I hired an attorney and they made a note in the file and I haven't heard from the since, whereas before they were calling me every other day.

I am quite sure you made an excellent decision considering how many people are out there trying to get a loan mod, without the benefit of a lawyer OR the LoanSafe website to guide them on their own. With J. Griswold, they know the routine, the know what to look for, they know whom to contact, and they know how to do the audits, etc. In other words, they've been around the block a few times, so to speak.

Speaking for myself, I can tell you unequivocally, that I am so glad I got a team of professionals to help me with this vitally important $320,000 issue. If this doesn't qualify for a time when an attorney is indicated for a civil matter, then I don't know when it would be. As I've said before, win, lose or draw I'm happy with my decision because I almost gave up when i tried it on my own and that would have been a sure loser. Now, at the very least, I know I've given it my best shot and I still have hope.

I know it's hard, but you made a good decision, let them do their work and see where you're at in 4 - 6 weeks. Hang in there and I wish you the very best of luck!!!

Jeff

[chrval21]

Jeff,

Thank you for the kind wishes and I will keep the forum updated to my progress.

Branden,

I also thank you for the clarification.

This forum is a great help and support for all those experiencing the same situation

[chrval21]

Jeff,

Any updates on your modification?

[jdhines448]

Nothing yet. I've still got my fingers crossed.... How's your mod coming along?

[chrval21]

Same here trying to keep my hopes high... Thanks and good luck.

[angel83]

how long is "long" even with an attorney?

[jdhines448]

It's been a little over a month now and everything has been submitted to CW for the mod. It's just a waiting game now, but I don't know for how long. Best of luck to you, Jeff

[elpjohnson]

It took me 10 months total 7 with an attorney....

[Safford]

I'm in a unique position, I am working on a couple of loans myself and have hired Paiva for the one I have with ASC. It gives me the opportunity to compare the process side by side. So far everything is going well. I like the fact that there is constant contact and updates. But, I am only into if approx. 2 weeks, so I have a ways to go....

[chochocho]

since you have retained the attorney, do you folks still continue to make your payments current? or is it on hold until everyone has some agreement?

thanks in advance.