Modification of a Note Secured by a Deed of Trust

While most people call their home loan a mortgage, there's a decent chance that they don't even have a mortgage. Home loans are made up of two pieces. The promissory note is the actual loan agreement that spells out your agreement to pay back the loan. The security agreement -- which is either a mortgage or a deed of trust, depending on your state's laws and customs -- gives your bank the right to take your home if you break the promises you made in the note by, among other things, not paying back the loan.

If you're in trouble with your loan, you might be able to get a modification. Modifications come in many different types. If you just fall behind, the lender could add your payments to the end of your loan, but if you are in serious trouble, it could do that, lower your interest rate, extend your loan and lower your balance. The key to the lender is that doing the modification has to make good business sense relative to the other option of foreclosing on the loan.

Modifications have two benefits. First, they can solve your problem with your loan and get you out of trouble with an easier-to-afford payment. Second, they let you stay in your home without having to go through a foreclosure. A modification could even be a better deal than refinancing because you could end up with a modified loan that has better terms than what you could get in the marketplace.

If you can't get a modification, you might have other options. Your lender might offer a repayment plan that just lets you catch up on missed payments. Another option could be to refinance to a new loan with a lower payment, if one is available and if you can qualify. Borrowing money from somewhere else or taking on a second job to make your payment could be another option. If none of these will work for you, you may need to look into leaving your home and finding a more affordable place to live.