Relieve Financial Stress By Renegotiating Your Loans
With the advent of the current recession, many people have found themselves swamped in debts that they can no longer pay off under the terms originally agreed. Whether this is due to losing a job, a decrease in pay, or added expenses, this situation can be very troubling. What many people fail to realize is that a debtor can negotiate with the lender to receive reduced payments, a removal of fees, a more acceptable payment schedule and other terms that can make repaying the debt more manageable.
There is no criminal liability for debtors; this means no debtors prison, and lenders know that they have few options available to them when a loan defaults. When a debtor cannot pay or refuses to pay, a creditor can report to the credit reporting agencies or chose to take the debtor to court. Neither of these options are not a guarantee of payment. Reporting to a credit bureau only hurts the debtors credit and taking someone to court is extremely expensive.
Because they know their options are extremely limited and not always effective, many lenders have begun to renegotiate loan terms because they realize there is a greater chance of receiving payment that way. Their goal is to recoup as much of the outstanding loans without increasing their costs. Lenders know that court and collection fees increase their costs so they prefer to avoid it.
Therefore, negotiating more tolerable terms for an existing debt is in the interests of both the lender and the borrower. Most professional lenders understand this reality, and though ideally they want the loan repaid by the original terms, renegotiating these terms is a lesser evil than a default and collection efforts. In fact, many large credit card companies and banks maintain special hardship units whose sole purpose is to listen to appeals for relief and renegotiate the terms of loans.
Renegotiating is an uncomplicated process that starts with contacting the company holding the loan note that needs to be renegotiated. Asking in a straightforward way for the hardship department or for someone who can renegotiate loan terms will ensure that you are put in touch with the right person. As you talk with this person, carefully and clearly explain your situation in as much detail as possible, and make sure you have a plan you can offer for their consideration. Avoid becoming aggressive or threatening with this person in any way so that they know you are making a good-faith attempt at repaying your debt.
If you are truly incapable of paying back your debt you have nothing to lose by attempting to renegotiate your loans, and everything to gain. Remember that although the renegotiation process can be quite time consuming, and the lender may want documentation to substantiate your hardship situation, the result can be quite rewarding. Even if the lender refuses to renegotiate, you have put forth the effort and you are in no worse a position. There is satisfaction in making the effort.
Wendy Polisi is the founder of Credit Repair College and Finance the Dream. Finance the Dream is the nations leading provider of Rent to Own Homes,offering homes throughout the United States. For more information on free credit repair please visit her at Credit Repair College.
