Credit expert: ways to deal with the mortgage crisis


The meltdown in the subprime mortgage market has certainly been scary. Some of the causes include shoddy loan practices, increased interest rates and falling real estate prices.

As a result, mortgage players are tightening things up or even going bust.

Basically, this is making it difficult for many homeowners who have difficulties making payments – and might even lose their homes.

What can be done?

Well, I talked Michelle Dunn, who is the author of seven books on credit and collections.

The following are some strategies:

What can I do if I can't make my mortgage payment because I have an adjustable or subprime mortgage and that interest has gone up?

  • Visit your lender and rewrite your loan.
  • Ask for a temporary hardship payment plan.
  • Ask if deferred payments (interest only) are available.

How can I adjust my income to be able to make my mortgage payments without having to get a second job?

  • Cancel cell phones
  • Cancel cable television
  • Downgrade your home phone service to basic service
  • Contact any other credit bills you may have such as auto or credit card and ask about adjusting your interest rate and/or payment; make sure to explain to them you are having a hard time and that this is necessary in order for you to continue to pay them.
  • Carpool
  • Bring your lunch or coffee to work rather than stopping each day to purchase these items.
  • Stop going out to dinner, eat in.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including the Complete M&A Handbook and the EDGAR-Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements.

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