Homeowner Assistance Programs
Mike De Sousa
There has never been a time since the 1980s when consumers have needed help keeping up with mortgage payments. Although the majority of Canadians are able to afford their lifestyle, some are losing their jobs and cannot possibly go on keeping their mortgage payments up to date.
There is a little known secret among financial institutions that is gaining more discussion lately. The organizations that provide default insurance to the banks, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. CMHC and Genworth Financial, have programs designed to assist those in need.
These are not charity or forgiveness programs! These are programs designed to help bridge the gap during the financial duress until you get back on your feet. You see, there is a misconception that lenders want you to go into "power of sale" or foreclosure, but this is not the case. It costs a lender more to go into foreclosure on your home than it takes to help you get back on your feet.
Moreover, if you had a high ratio mortgage, you have paid the CMHC or Genworth High Ratio premium and are entitled to these benefits if approved.
The major challenge though is getting a bank to apply these hardship programs on your behalf. Most lender employees are not trained or have the follow up systems to assist you in gaining access to these programs, so you must do your own research. Fortunately, Genworth has a consumer friendly process and will work with you directly and take charge of the process, while CMHC is a little more complex and involves the lender making an application on your behalf.
Genworth's hotline for this program is 1-800-511-8888 and CMHC can be found at www.cmhc.ca.
Thanks for reading!
Your London, Ontario Mortgage Brokers at Dominion Lending Centres Forest City Funding FSCO# 10671