Consumer Satisfaction with Mortgage Servicers Increases

Historically low interest rates, combined with proprietary and government loan modification programs, have helped reduce the number of homeowners in distress, according to the recently released J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Primary Mortgage Servicer Satisfaction Study(SM).

According to the study, 7 percent of homeowners indicate their loan status is "current" as a direct result of a loan modification or other payment arrangement, compared with 4 percent in 2011. In addition, 15 percent of customers say they have concerns keeping mortgage payments current, down from 17 percent in 2011.

Overall satisfaction with primary mortgage servicers has increased to 725 (on a 1,000-point scale) from 718 in 2011. The study measures customer satisfaction in four areas of the mortgage servicing experience: billing and payment process; escrow account administration; website; and phone contact. Satisfaction in all factors has increased from 2011.

Overall satisfaction among at-risk customers, those who are behind on their mortgage payments or are concerned about making future payments, improved the most, increasing by 27 points from 2011, compared with non-prime and prime customers (+3 point and -3 points, respectively). At-risk customers are the most likely to contact their mortgage servicer (75 percent), compared with non-prime (41 percent) and prime (32 percent) customers. Satisfaction among customers who contact their servicer via phone increased by 52 points from 2011.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is proposing new mortgage servicing rules that, if passed, will go into effect in early 2013. Once in place, mortgage servicers will face new challenges in providing high levels of service, while ensuring the proper processes and procedures are in place to meet the new guidelines.

Consumers also play a role in creating a better experience with their mortgage servicer. J.D. Power offers the following tips, based on study findings, to help customers avoid instances that may negatively affect their mortgage servicing experience:

• If you tried to refinance your mortgage in the previous 6-12 months and didn't qualify, consider trying again. New government programs have recently been implemented to assist current mortgage customers, making it easier to modify or refinance.
• Make sure you're familiar with your mortgage servicer's payment options, terms and policies, specifically regarding late payments, in order to help keep your account in good standing and avoid going into delinquent status.
• Avoid paying your bill on the last day of your grace period, as sometimes these payments don't post to your account right away, which may result in fees or other late payment penalties. Consider receiving your bill and paying your mortgage online and taking advantage of all the services and information that your mortgage servicer provides on their website.
• Understand that it is also in the mortgage servicer's best interest to keep your account in good standing. If you currently have a delinquent mortgage, be proactive and talk to your servicer about working out a payment plan that will work for both parties.

Source: J.D. Power and Associates