More borrowers had an active government-supported loan modification in placed during the final month of last year, though the monthly gains have been diminishing. Activity might have been more robust if it weren’t for several consecutive months of declines at one of the country’s biggest mortgage lenders.
The number of active permanent modifications completed through the Home Affordable Modification Program totaled 851,135 as of the end of 2012.
That was 4,665 more active HAMPs than were in place as of Nov. 30. The increase wasn’t as strong as the 5,635 rise in the prior month or the gain of 12,091 in December 2011.
December’s biggest gain was at Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC, where active HAMPs climbed to 1,587 in December, a larger increase than 1,299 in November.
In addition, Ocwen has acquired No. 5 on the HAMPÂ rankings —Â Homeward Residential Inc. — where active modifications expanded by 184 in December.
Grabbing the No. 2 position was JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., which increased its active HAMP count by 864 in December, off from the gain of 1,351 the prior month.
No. 3 Wells Fargo Bank N.A., had an increase of 756, while Select Portfolio Servicing saw a gain of 288.
The number of active HAMPs at Bank of America, N.A., has fallen each month since August 2012 and now stands at 118.446.
