Here’s another PR nightmare…
Wells Fargo reportedly offered a struggling homeowner a loan modification that resulted in just $2 off his monthly mortgage payment, according to an ABC news affiliate.
The Independence, Ohio-based homeowner, Mike Elewski, apparently got into trouble back in 2009 when the ongoing recession began to affect his business.
In August of 2009, he asked the San Francisco-based bank and mortgage lender to grant him a loan modification, but bank representatives said they only negotiate with homeowners behind on mortgage payments.
As a result, Elewski stopped making his mortgage payments, and before long, faced foreclosure.
Eventually a judge ordered mediation between him and Wells Fargo, and after mountains of paperwork and thousands in attorney fees, the bank offered him a modification.
Unfortunately, the loan mod resulted in just $2 off his regular mortgage payment, meaning foreclosure is likely imminent.
But alas, because the story is gaining steam, Wells will likely have to step in and give the man a better deal.
This seems to be the trend nowadays, make noise and get help.
A Wells spokesman did tell the publication it would never tell customers to miss payments, and noted that it was continuing to work with the customer to identify solutions that would allow him to retain his home.
Per the article, the Ohio attorney general’s office has already received 450 complaints involving mortgages since the beginning of the year.
(photo: wwarby)