Chase signs on with HAMP Second-Lien Program

Chase has announced that it will provide additional help to struggling homeowners by joining the second-lien program of the federal government's Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). The Second-Lien Modification Program, known as 2MP, is designed to work in tandem with HAMP to lower homeowners' payments on both their first and second mortgages. "We have invested significant resources to modify mortgages and keep more families in their homes," said David Lowman, head of home lending at Chase, part of JPMorgan Chase & Company. "This program makes it easier to coordinate with other servicers by using consistent 2MP standards." In 2009, Chase offered 600,000 loan modifications to homeowners. It also has opened dozens of Chase Homeownership Centers to provide face-to-face loan counseling to struggling homeowners and will have a total of 51 centers by this spring. Under 2MP, homeowners may see the interest rate on their second lien reduced as low as one percent for five years. The program also provides a financial incentive to borrowers, servicers and investors if the modification is successful. To qualify, homeowners must successfully complete a trial modification on their first mortgage. When it implements 2MP, Chase will seek to modify second liens whether the first loan is serviced by Chase or by another loan servicer. For more information, visit www.chase.com/myhome.