Homepage / Money

More Loan Mod Problems Reported

Ariz. AG Terry Goddard: Complaints 'Very Troubling'

POSTED: 1:07 pm MST September 22, 2009
UPDATED: 1:26 pm MST September 22, 2009

Many homeowners say their banks won't call them back regarding a loan modification; however, some homeowners are paying hundreds of dollars for a loan modification only to have the bank foreclose on them.

Valley resident Miguel Lozania said he was approved for a loan modification, so he signed his paperwork and sent the bank the $900 fee.

"It sounded like it was going to work," he said. "I even got a letter from IndyMac Bank saying they were going to do a modification."

IndyMac foreclosed on his house anyway, selling the home for $70,000. Lozania's original loan was for $205,000.

Another Valley resident, Joan Hoyt, said she wanted to refinance her loan before the interest rate on her current mortgage reset.

Her lender, Washington Mutual, said it just needed a $750 application fee; Hoyt paid it. As it turned out, Washington Mutual did not offer the type of loan Hoyt applied for.

The bank did not offer a refund of the application fee.

Homeowners across Arizona have written to 5 Investigates to complain about lenders losing modification documents, changing requirements for modifications and being unable to answer basic questions about the process.

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard stopped short of saying the banks' behavior is criminal; however, he called the complaints "very troubling."

"It may constitute deception on the part of the individual company that's leading these people along," he said.

Goddard said his office is swamped with complaints that he believes many of the larger banks should have been prepared for.

"What we're seeing is a financial industry that doesn't want to handle this problem," he said.

He also encouraged people who are having trouble with their modifications to contact his office.

As for Lozania, five hours before the story was set to air Monday, a spokeswoman for IndyMac's new owner One West Bank called 5 Investigates to say the company had made a mistake, and they are rescinding Lozania's foreclosure.

Washington Mutual refunded $750 to Hoyt after 5 Investigates contacted the bank about the investigation.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Get tools, worksheets and expert advice to guide you through the process of buying your first place. More

If you’re feeling like you’re not doing what you’re supposed to, take this quiz and take control of your working destiny. More

Better digestion may require some changes to your diet and schedule. Follow these suggestions to improve your digestive health. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Credit Report

560? 675? 720? The average US Credit Score is 692. What is your score? See it online for FREE! More

Best Local Rates On...



LocalNational

30 Yr Fixed Mortgage5.12%5.01%

48 Mo New Car Loan7.86%6.58%

$30k Home Eq Loan7.38%7.81%

6 Month CD0.79%0.80%
Help! I don't understand!
More Rates


Sponsored Links

Stock Quotes

Get a Quote
Enter Symbol

Consumer Info



Sponsored Content Provided by ARA

Housing Crunch

With banks and lenders facing major troubles, gain some insight on how to sell, refinance or keep your home. You'll find everything mortgage in our special section. More


E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters