Loan deferment is a funding alternative that lets borrowers miss a payment or two with approval from the lender. Dependent on the situation, banks can extend loan terms by placing missed payments at the end of the loan without causing credit damage.

When borrowers enter into loan deferment they have to comply with lender policies. In some situations they may need to pay interest during the time payments are deferred. Suspending payments is offered with most loans including: real estate notes, car loans, unsecured loans, credit cards, and student loans.

Obtaining approval to defer loan payments requires borrowers to make contact with the lender and remit an application. Banks analyze borrowers\’ payment history, financial records, FICO score, kind of loan, and the number of payments to be deferred.

One primary element of determining the number of payments that can be deferred is the kind of loan involved. On average, banks will allow borrowers to defer a maximum of three payments. Some banks only permit one deferred payment, while others offer up to six months. It\’s imperative to know exactly how many installments can be deferred before entering into agreement.

Lenders typically require borrowers to supply a financial hardship letter that describes reasons why they need to defer loan payments. Letters of hardship are a vital element of acquiring approval so it is recommended to spend crafting a well-written document. It\’s wise to only provide the facts and never embellish the truth. Include steps taken to minimize financial problems such as getting rid of unnecessary expenditures or taking on a part-time job.

Students that are having difficulty meeting student loan payments can remit applications to receive in-school deferment as long as they attend classes at least part-time. Graduates can apply for loan deferment if they have obtained a consolidated student loan. This option is only offered to graduates that attended accredited schools.

When homeowners use deferred payments with mortgage loans as a way to stop foreclosure they might also want to explore real estate forbearance plans. This type of agreement prohibits banks from filing foreclosure unless property owners default on terms of the forbearance plan.

It only makes good sense to obtain written loan deferment agreements. One of the biggest mistakes a borrower can make is to accept verbal agreements. If anything goes wrong, borrowers have no legal recourse to prove their case.

Contracts need to document terms of the plan and should include how many payments are being deferred; rate of interest; fees or penalties associated with the agreement; payment dates; and how missed payments are reported to credit agencies.

Oftentimes, skipped payments are reflected as late pay on credit reports. Late payments can reduce credit scores and harm credit history. Dependent upon current FICO scores, late payments could reduce scores enough to put borrowers into a lower category which could prevent them from obtaining credit in the future or result in having to pay higher interest rates.

Anyone that is allowed to skip loan payments needs to retain all documents pertaining to the transaction. This includes written contracts, along with email correspondence and records of phone conversations.

To document phone conversations, it\’s important to provide dates and times of calls; name of the bank representative; and a summary of the conversation. Anytime documents are sent by mail it\’s important to obtain tracking information and request verification of receipt.

People that are trying to overcome short-term financial challenges may find loan deferment to be a good choice. With that said, there are drawbacks that need to be thought about. To assure a positive outcome, acquire written agreements and remain in compliance with payment terms.

Learn more about using loan deferment, to overcome financial setbacks from private investor, Simon Volkov. He shares an extensive personal finance library covering topics of debt consolidation, student loan consolidation, bankruptcy alternatives, and ways to stop foreclosure at www.SimonVolkov.com.

Learn more about using loan deferment to overcome financial setbacks from private investor, Simon Volkov. He shares an extensive personal finance library covering topics of debt consolidation, student loan consolidation, bankruptcy alternatives, and ways to stop foreclosure at http://www.SimonVolkov.com.

Author Bio: Learn more about using loan deferment, to overcome financial setbacks from private investor, Simon Volkov. He shares an extensive personal finance library covering topics of debt consolidation, student loan consolidation, bankruptcy alternatives, and ways to stop foreclosure at www.SimonVolkov.com.

Category: Finances
Keywords: loan deferment,deferred loan payments,student loan consolidation,real estate forbearance