Trying to apply for a loan modification but worried about whether you will qualify? It’s true that not everyone will qualify for a loan modification to lower their payment-so how can you be sure to get your application to the front of the line and have the best chance for approval? Here are 3 Important Qualifications for approval you should know before you apply.

Loan Modification Qualification #1: You must be able to demonstrate to your lender that you have suffered a financial hardship that has made your current mortgage payment unaffordable. There are certain circumstances that lenders will consider as an acceptable hardship situation. Divorce/separation, military service, death of a family member, job loss, reduction in income, medical expenses, illness, incarceration and job transfer are all considered to be eligible for consideration. Loss of equity alone does not. There are three critical elements in an effective hardship letter-do you know what they are? Here is one tip-use the phrase “imminent risk of Default” and you will get your lenders attention.

Loan Modification Qualification #2: Can you prove to your lender that if given the new lower modified mortgage payment you will be able to afford to maintain it now and in the future? Lenders want to know that you will not be at risk of defaulting again. How can you prove this to them? Make it simple by providing the required financial statement that will demonstrate your ability to pay the new payment and help convince your lender to grant an approval for your proposed new lower payment. Your current mortgage payment, including your property taxes, homeowners insurance and any Homeowners dues, must equal more than 31% of your gross monthly income. Learn how to calculate your new target payment based on the Obama HAMP guidelines. If you are confused about how to do this, use the software program designed specifically for homeowners that automatically does all the calculations for you.

Loan Modification Qualification #3: Be able to submit an accurate, acceptable and complete application to your bank for review and consideration. Your lender will make a decision based in large part on the information you provide to them. Submitting an incomplete and poorly prepared application can result in a denial of the help you need. Be sure you prepare the paperwork properly and then submit everything your lender will need all together in a professional and acceptable loan modification package.

TIP: Make sure that you prepare your financial statement before you call your lender. Do not disclose any of your income or debts until you have taken the time to work on your budget-make any necessary adjustments and know that you fit into the approval guidelines. This is easy to do if you follow the directions in a handbook and software program that does all the calculations for you automatically. Simply input your own monthly income and monthly expenses and you will see immediately if you need to make some adjustments to your budget in order to meet the approval guidelines. You can avoid costly mistakes and save hours of frustration.

These are extraordinary times and more homeowners are faced with losing their homes than at any other time in our nations history. Borrowers who need help cannot wait to be rescued-help is available but you must know how to get it and be prepared to fight for your home. Start now by learning and preparing to submit your application to your lender to get the help you need and deserve. Billions of dollars in your tax dollars have been allocated for loan modification programs to help stop foreclosures. Don’t miss out on your chance to save your family’s home.