Programs for troubled homes hit and miss

The federal government under President Barack Obama has unveiled several
plans in the last few years to help modify and refinance mortgages to
help underwater borrowers. While the plans have seen some success, they are
now widely considered to be confusing and bureaucratic with little
positive effect. Borrowers complain that lenders offer only lip service
when met with complaints, and that paperwork gets lost amid red tape.
Lenders say homeowners are simply expecting miracles. Mike Larson, a
housing analyst in Jupiter, said disappointing results aren’t
surprising. [Sun
Sentinel]