| A foreclosure hardship letter allows borrowers to | | | | Anytown, State 12345 |
| explain circumstances that caused them to become | | | | John Smith |
| delinquent on their mortgage note. Many people | | | | USA Mortgage Lender |
| struggle with what to write to their lender and are | | | | 123 Any Street |
| intimidated by the process. In order to obtain positive | | | | Anytown, State 12345 |
| results borrowers need to understand what | | | | Current Date |
| information to include and how to present it. | | | | RE: Your Loan Number (include either loan modification |
| A well-written foreclosure hardship letter will receive | | | | or short sale) |
| higher recognition than a poorly written document. | | | | Dear Mr. Smith, |
| Mortgage experts suggest a handwritten letter is more | | | | I am contacting you to request a loan modification (or |
| effective than a typed hardship letter. If your | | | | short sale) for my home located at 123 Any Avenue in |
| handwriting is difficult to read, have someone else | | | | Anytown, State. I appreciate you allowing me to |
| write your explanation for you or type it out if | | | | explain the circumstances that caused me to fall |
| necessary. Considering letters of hardship are the | | | | behind with mortgage payments. Although I have done |
| most important financial document you will ever write, | | | | everything possible to reduce monthly expenses, I am |
| take every precaution to ensure it can be easily read | | | | still unable to pay my mortgage payment in full each |
| and understood. | | | | month. |
| Foreclosure hardship letters are used when borrowers | | | | I became delinquent with my mortgage because |
| want to obtain a loan modification to avoid foreclosure | | | | (explain reason here). Currently, I do not earn enough |
| or receive short sale approval. Short sales are typically | | | | income to cover the entire amount and am concerned |
| offered only after all other methods to save the home | | | | about falling further behind. I have every desire to pay |
| from foreclosure have been exhausted. | | | | the past due amount, but based on my current income |
| All transactions which involve altering terms of | | | | I do not know how to accomplish this. I am turning to |
| mortgage loans are handled through the lender's loss | | | | you for assistance. |
| mitigation division. Loss mitigators work with borrowers | | | | This letter is a request for consideration to temporarily |
| facing financial challenges every day. They have heard | | | | reduce or suspend my mortgage payments through a |
| every sob story, excuse and outright lies, so it is best | | | | loan modification. This would allow me to time to get |
| to be upfront and honest from the beginning. | | | | back on track financially and become current on |
| When possible, take time to develop a good working | | | | monthly payments. |
| relationship with your assigned loss mitigator. Start by | | | | My home is very important to me and I do not want |
| asking questions of what can be expected, duration of | | | | the property to fall into foreclosure. Please advise me |
| the process, and eventual outcome. | | | | of available options that can allow me to keep my |
| Loss mitigators work as mediators between lenders | | | | home. I am eager to reach an agreement and |
| and borrowers. They do not make final decisions | | | | appreciate your prompt response. |
| regarding mortgage loans, but can be instrumental in | | | | Sincerely, |
| helping you achieve your goals. If you have legitimate | | | | Print name of Borrower(s) |
| reasons for not being able to remain current on | | | | Signature of Borrower(s) |
| mortgage payments, lenders are usually willing to work | | | | ## |
| with you. | | | | Send the foreclosure hardship letter via the United |
| The following sample foreclosure hardship letter offers | | | | States Postal Service as certified mail with return |
| a basic outline of information which should be included. | | | | receipt request. When the lender receives the letter, an |
| You will need to make adjustments and fill in the | | | | employee must sign the receipt which is then returned |
| blanks based on your personal circumstances. | | | | to you. Attach the signed receipt to a copy of the |
| ## | | | | original letter of hardship. This provides proof the letter |
| Sam Jones | | | | was received by the mortgage lender. |
| 123 Any Avenue | | | | |