Negotiating for Loan Modifications in 2011
Thursday, May 19th, 2011
Most people hate negotiating! Do you? Some people are actually good at it, but most people aren’t. And, most of us do not like doing it at all. But, when your home is at stake, like when you are negotiating with the bank for a loan modification or other workout solution…it’s critical. And, you can be a much better tele-negotiator if you follow these nine rules. These are good practices that come from many years of tele-negotiating with opponents about foreclosure and debt settlements.
1. Control your ego Be sure to Listen twice as much as you speak. After all, that is why God made you with gave you two ears and one mouth! Talking, you give away information. Listening, you gain information and knowledge. Ask questions that lead to lengthy responses and listen a great deal.
Do like Lieutenant Columbo, the famous TV Detective. Avoid mind games with questions and listening your opponent into submission. “Do a Columbo” on them.
Think of the other party like your son or daughter. Don’t be condescending and don’t embarrass them.
2. Do not let rude behavior offend you. They try to offend you. They try to distract you and put you off-guard to make you want to get out of this situation at any cost and fast. Understand? Don’t succumb to it. Simply hang-up in the middle of a sentence. That is better than to lose your temper.
It always amazes me how difficult it is for well-mannered people to simply hang-up the phone on a collection agent. We keep trying to bring the conversation to a cordial close…that’s what civilized people do, right. Reject that notion. When you need to end the call, just do it with a “click”. Do it before you lose your cool.
3. Prepare before each Call *Understand strengths/weaknesses of yours and the opponent *Be clear about what is motivating your opponent *Understand what your alternatives are and what their alternatives are *Make goals for each encounter…just before the call *Time is on your side, so remember that. If you control the monthly payments, you are in control.
Number 4. Be sure to Be willing to “Fold-em”. I mean that you have to accept that sometimes things will not go your way and be willing to accept that and end the conversation poorly.
You will get the best settlements if you are patient and wait until the deal is just right.
5. Focus on the Agent – their pressures and their needs. Don’t focus on just your own needs. Remember, they need to close this file and move on to other files. Offer to fax to their personal number or to email directly to them. Always be prompt and complete on all your responses to their requests. Help them do a good little job!
Don’t intimidate or condescend. I find that these folks are easily offended and get defensive…I guess that comes from working with stressed-out, pissed-off people all day! Be nice.
Number 6. Always get something in return if you must give up something. Consider each item of every offer to be “won”, and don’t let go of any without getting something in return. The opponents record every item of the negotiations, and so should you.
7. Ask for what you want. I recommend asking for a specific dollar amount. Create some rationale around it (i.e. “it is 31% of my gross household income, or, it’s 31% of blah, blah, blah, blah, blah).
8. Never lie. It’s too hard to keep track of things that way! Plus, it’s just wrong.
Number 9. Be sure to write things down! “He who has information wins.” Keep great records of all things said…by whom and when.
Want to find out more about actually getting loan modifications? Visit Rockwood’s site about DIY Loan Modiification at Home Loan Modification