We’re here to help and have created the following frequently asked questions in an effort to provide as much information and clarity for our members as possible.
Does SMCU own all the first mortgage loans they service?
SMCU services first mortgage loans owned by both SMCU and Fannie Mae. The application process and relief measures may differ based on who owns your mortgage loan.
How do I know who owns my mortgage loan?
You can find out if your loan is owned by Fannie Mae
online. Please enter the address of the property that is financed if it is different than your residence.
What if Fannie Mae doesn’t own my loan?
SMCU owns your loan if your loan isn't owned by Fannie Mae.
What if Fannie Mae owns my loan?
You can apply for assistance in two ways:
- Online: Register and apply online for a forbearance. You will receive a follow up letter in the mail. The website may ask for documentation, but DO NOT submit it. Wait for the letter in the mail and follow the instructions. Please note: If you receive a 'denial' message, it is NOT the final decision. Continue to click through.
- By Phone: Call (877) 210-8647, but please be patient as call volume is extremely high. Fannie Mae is currently offering a 3-month forbearance. This will likely change as they are able to work through the volume.
How can I find my first mortgage loan account number?
Log into your online banking and find your first mortgage loan from the Accounts tab, the number sequence next to the loan on this page is NOT your account number of record. Click on your first mortgage loan and press “continue” on the pop up. Click the “eStatement” tab in the menu across the top of the page. Click on your most recent eStatement. It will open in a new window. In the top right-hand corner, you will see “Account Number.” This is the account number for your mortgage loan.
See a step by step guide (PDF) on how to find your mortgage loan number.
Do I need to cancel may automated payment for my first mortgage to take advantage of the payment deferment offer?
The deferment is specific to your loan payment
due date only. It will not automatically stop any automated payments. If you do not want to send a payment when no payment is due, you will need to login and cancel your automated payments.
How do I cancel the automatic payment for my mortgage?
If you set up auto-pay in our online mortgage portal, login to your online banking and go to your mortgage account to cancel. If you set up auto-pay over the phone, you will need to call (877) 210-8647 to cancel.
Please note: It can take up to 14 days to cancel recurring automatic payments.
How long of a deferment is SMCU offering?
At this time, SMCU is offering 6-month deferments for first mortgage payments.
If SMCU owns my loan, can I choose a shorter deferment than 6-months?
Not at this time. However, you can make payments during the forbearance period if you choose. Any amounts paid during this period will reduce the length of any term extension after the forbearance period. If you make payments during this time, you will be sent a revised deferment agreement near the end of August that reflects all payments made.
What if I have an impound account?
While we do not require any mortgage payments to be made during the forbearance period, the tax and insurance payments for the 6-month period will need to be paid on or before the end of your forbearance period. You may also continue to mail in the amount for the impound payments during the forbearance if you prefer.
What happens to the interest that has accrued during the forbearance?
At the end of the forbearance period, any interest that has accrued will be added to your loan balance. Your loan balance will then be re-amortized over a period long enough to repay the entire balance at the same payment you had at the start of your forbearance.
How long will my loan maturity be extended?
It depends. Every loan will be extended for at least the equivalent of 6 months – the length of the forbearance period. In addition to the 6 months, the number of months that the capitalized interest will take to pay off will vary based on the loan balance, interest rate and remaining term. You will be shown this information in the document prior to finalizing. Again, you can always make higher payments to pay off your loan faster at any time.
I missed the April 3 deadline. Is it too late for help?
It is not too late. If you missed the deadline, we will send another offer April 17 to those who did not accept the first offer. The reason for the short deadline for response is to ensure the modification document you execute for the deferral reflects the current balance. In the interim, be sure to cancel any automatic payments you have set up.