IRS tells homeowners how to get tax relief if a lender forgives part of their debt

Generally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats debt forgiveness by a creditor as taxable income.  However, under federal legislation that took effect in 2007, certain home mortgage debt cancellations–such as loan modifications, short sales, or...

Coming soon: National Homeownership Retention Program Update

On March 24, 2010, Bank of America announced enhancements to the National Homeownership Retention Program to modify the mortgages of qualified homeowners who are experiencing financial hardship. The National Homeownership Retention Program is already available to...

Government Program Will Pay Homeowners to Sell Home "Short Sale" at a Loss

In an effort to end the foreclosure crisis, the Obama administration has been trying to keep defaulting owners in their homes. Now it will take a new approach: paying some of them to leave. This latest program, which will allow owners to sell for less than they owe...

Home-Saving Loans Afoot Pressure is growing on U.S. banks to ease terms for distressed homeowners

Home-Saving Loans Afoot Pressure is growing on U.S. banks to ease terms for distressed homeowners on home-equity loans and other second-lien mortgages. Rep. Barney Frank, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, last week sent a letter to the four biggest...